Leonie Dean, 40, has not danced since her friend's wedding nine years ago. The day after the celebration, while shopping for cat litter, her legs gave out, leaving her unable to walk. Dean now lives with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that has drastically changed her life.

Before her fall, Dean was actively building a house and working as a spray painter, although she had reduced her hours. She had experienced early signs of her condition, including a weak right hand and extreme fatigue, which were unusual for someone who was previously fit and active. "I had no idea the legs were going to be the next on the list," she said.

Following her fall, Dean faced a dark period filled with hospital visits and uncertainty. Unable to paint with her left hand, she destroyed her artworks and lost the house she was building, moving back in with family. "I probably – definitely – didn't want to be here anymore," she admitted.

Dean is part of a concerning statistic: two in five Australians over 18 have had to stop or pause work or hobbies due to health issues. A recent survey revealed that 7.5 million Australians are affected. The survey, conducted by YouGov for Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), highlighted the financial strain, mental health challenges, and social isolation faced by many. It found that pain and fatigue were the primary barriers to returning to work or activities.

Shannon Nelson, 52, from Melbourne, has also faced significant health challenges. Seven years ago, she suffered a stroke that left her right side paralyzed. After her husband recognized the symptoms, she was hospitalized and began rehabilitation. Nelson set small goals for herself, such as cooking dinner and writing Christmas cards.

The financial impact of her condition was severe. Nelson exhausted her sick leave and annual leave, and even tapped into her superannuation. She and her family borrowed money to keep up with mortgage payments as she gradually returned to work. Today, she has regained 95% of the function in her right hand, thanks to ongoing occupational therapy funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Dean's journey took a positive turn when she discovered occupational therapy. She had never heard of it before her diagnosis. With the help of her occupational therapist, Vicki Abraham, Dean gained access to wheelchairs, which allowed her to explore new activities. "I went from being stuck in bed... to just being free," she said.

Abraham recalled meeting Dean when she was still undiagnosed and struggling with mobility. "It was like there was this massive cloud over her head," Abraham said. The changes in Dean's life became evident once she started using a powered wheelchair.

The OTA is advocating for greater recognition of occupational therapists, especially as the population ages. Dr. Nick Yim, president of the Australian Medical Association in Queensland, emphasized the importance of allied health professionals in supporting patients and reducing the burden on hospitals. "Providing patients with the best support not only allows them to live with as little pain and inconvenience as possible but also reduces the chances of their condition returning or worsening," he stated.