As the Collective turns one, I’ve been reflecting on how this dream became reality.
As with many dreams, the seed was planted in the darkness—born from struggle, exhaustion, and the need for something better.
I’d been practicing occupational therapy for almost 20 years when COVID hit. Patients were sicker than ever. Job duties changed drastically. The world felt terrifying. Many therapists, understandably, left the workforce, creating even more demands for those who remained.
Then came the breaking point.
My company rolled out a new policy: we were expected to see more neuro patients—with even less time for each one.
It was the straw that broke this camel’s back.
The Hidden Struggle of OTs
For those reading this who aren’t occupational therapists, let me pull back the curtain for a moment. OTs are notoriously perfectionistic, high-achieving, and deeply empathetic. We pour ourselves into our patients while also trying to meet relentless productivity and documentation demands.
When the system makes it impossible to provide the care we know our patients deserve, we feel it deeply. It creates inner turmoil, moral distress, and, ultimately, burnout.
OTs—am I right?! If this resonates, drop a comment below. Let’s talk about it.
The Moment Everything Changed
During one insanely busy day at work, I had a panic attack. No one around me knew—because healthcare workers often don’t ask for help when we need it. (Spoiler alert: I am on a mission to change this.)
My body was sounding the alarm, telling me I couldn’t sustain my health or my spirit in this environment for much longer. I didn’t know what was next, but I knew one thing:
It wasn’t this.
I needed out—but I also wasn’t ready to give up on OT.
Stay tuned…
In Part 2, I’ll share how another OT helped me grieve, heal, and plant the seed that would eventually become New to Neuro.
[Another] Spoiler Alert: I knew that whatever I built next had to be sustainable to my body, spirit, and family—and not just for me, but for other therapists, as well. It had to help OTs grow into the best versions of themselves without sacrificing their well-being.
If you've ever felt trapped between your love for OT and a system that makes it impossible to thrive, you are not alone.
Let’s start a conversation—drop a comment below and share your experience. 🌱
✌🏽💚Jessica
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