Journal 3
Knitting & Crochet
Population: Older Adults
Diagnosis: Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
For this week I chose to knit a “sample” or what is traditionally a test piece to see if the gauge of the yarn is right for the needles before you knit an entire project. I wanted to attempt decorative work as I knit all the time for function such as to make gifts for others and things for myself. I have ad experience both knitting and crocheting before and taught myself to do both. I did not use a pattern but made it up as I went and tried out different stitches.
The population I chose to work with is Older Adults. My first internship was with older adults in a residential, inpatient, and rehabilitation facility. I saw many adults who were concerned about their health. It is a central part of their everyday life, especially after a fall or accident that risks their life. Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is intrusive and preoccupying thoughts surround illness so much so that people may seek doctors frequently and be unable to go about their daily lives with comfort (Dimsdale 2020). These thoughts increase naturally with age and developmental stage as patients begin to grapple with mortality and reflect on their lives but SSD would cause extreme distress and difficulty functioning. Knitting and crochet with this population may provide the ability to soothe and relax the mind, providing a passive focus and sense of community.
Riley et al. discuss the reported inherent benefits of knitting as a process saying, “these commonly related to knitting’s perceived psychological benefits, such as relations, relief from stress, together with therapeutic and meditative qualities, which were related to its rhythmic and repetitive nature,” (2013 p.52). Respondents in the study also sited it as something helpful to do during “unproductive time, such as queuing for appointments” which would support someone struggling with SSD who may have heightened anxiety during this time (p.52). There are also social benefits of knitting together which can be extremely beneficial to older adults who may be isolated or grieving the loss of close friends or family and struggling to connect with others.
I have personally felt many of these things reported in the study and as a hyperactive individual, having something to do that is tactile while listening to something or doing something that is not physical is helpful to take the edge off the intense inherent need to move. I struggled with just losing myself in the process of making something without a goal in mind. I find knitting tends to yield a desire for a product as it focuses on functionality. I think this could be very supportive for someone struggling with SSD as there is constant agitation for answers, appeasement of fears, and preoccupation. If we can use knitting as a tool for soothing and reducing anxiety as well as social interaction with others who may have similar fears but to a less degree the individual may feel support without judgment and also the relaxation from the sensory benefits. Accomplishment and focus on a goal can support this population’s developmental stage as well as this disorder.
References
Joel, J. E. (2020). Overview of Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders - Mental Health Disorders. Retrieved December 07, 2020, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/somatic-symptom-and-related-disorders/overview-of-somatic-symptom-and-related-disorders
Riley, J., Corkhill, B., & Morris, C. (2013). The benefits of knitting for personal and social wellbeing in adulthood: Findings from an international survey. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2), 50-57.
