News

When Occupational Therapist Ashlee Rounds joined Albury Wodonga Health’s Mental Health Graduate Program almost four years ago, she wasn’t entirely sure which direction her career would take. But after rotating through several areas, one place stood out: the Kerferd Unit, the adult mental health inpatient unit in Wangaratta.

Today, Ashlee is proud to be part of the dedicated Kerferd team helping people on their mental health recovery journey. 

Here’s her story. 

What inspired you to work in mental health?
“I have a big passion for mental health but I’m not sure exactly where it came from. I think that if I wasn’t an OT, I’d be a psychologist. What I love about combining OT with mental health is it’s the ‘doing’ therapy. I get to do activities with people that help them achieve their recovery goals, whatever is most important to them at that point in their life.

I’m fascinated by how our sensory systems impact us and how we can use that to our advantage. For example, if someone is struggling with anxiety, distress or regulating their emotions, often I’ll do a sensory profile assessment. Then I will work collaboratively with them to develop a sensory diet/plan to help manage their emotions, like using a weighted blanket, fidget items, grounding strategies and so on.”

What does your typical day look like?
Each day starts with a team handover, which is where psychiatrists, nurses, OTs, managers and peer support workers come together to share updates and plan care. Then we go on a half-hour walk down by the river. I love this because it gets people moving and ready for the day.

After the walk, we have a mutual help meeting, which is a voluntary meeting of all patients and the staff on duty. Here, we share what we’re grateful for and everyone can suggest ideas to improve things at Kerferd. 

Then it’s morning trivia and our new coffee club!

The next few hours are spent on one-to-one assessments and interventions, which vary depending on each person’s needs. I do a lot of sensory profile and functional assessments to see what support people may need in the community when they leave Kerferd, and help with discharge planning around that.

In the afternoon we run group sessions, sometimes psychoeducational, depending on how acutely unwell people are and what they can take in at the time.

Fridays are different. A couple of years ago, I introduced Friday Fun Days, where we get off the unit for a couple of hours to do something fun and change the environment. We’ve been to places like Beechworth, Glenrowan, the Benalla Art Gallery or Milawa Cheese Factory. It’s been super successful and I love doing it.

I am also involved in the Safer Care Victoria initiative working towards the total elimination of restrictive interventions including seclusion and restraint. My role is to particularly test and implement new change ideas and initiatives on the ward to engage consumers and collaborate with staff. I am extremely passionate about reducing seclusion and restraint within mental health facilities.”

What’s most rewarding about working in mental health?
“Being able to help reduce stigma around mental health. So many people are still scared of psychiatric units, but they’re very different from how they used to be. Friday Fun Days are a great example. People who are due to be discharged on a Friday often say they want to stay for the outing. That’s a huge win and means their hospital experience has been positive, they’ve felt supported and part of something.

I get to be part of so many different journeys, and that’s incredibly rewarding. Kerferd is such a welcoming environment. We support each other and our consumers. I’m really proud to be part of this team.”

How do you look after your own mental health? 
“Running is my go-to. Long-distance running gets me in the right headspace for the day. If I don’t get outside, I notice the difference. Spending time with my partner, family and friends is also really important to me – it keeps me grounded and connected.” (Editor’s note: Ashlee recently completed her first marathon in Sydney – congrats Ashlee!)

What’s your message for Mental Health Month
“Speaking up is a superpower. Seeking help shows strength, not weakness. Advocate for yourself, and know there are people out there who will listen. Don’t give up on yourself.”

Thank you for sharing your story Ashlee!