Job Hunter's Tip of the Week - #8 - May 8, 2007
I would like to find a job, but I have a serious mental illness. Who is going to want me?
May 7th through 13th is National Mental Health week in Canada. People who have mental illness often face more barriers to employment than most job seekers. They often have limited work experience, gaps in employment, lack of confidence, and fear and anxiety. But most difficult, is the workplace discrimination they may experience. The unemployment rate for this group is significantly higher than average. Despite all the barriers, being employed has been statistically proven to be a major factor in promoting positive mental health and wellness. So how does someone with a mental illness find his or her way into the world of employment? They should start with creating a support system. Talking to a physician or mental health clinician about their employment goals can really help. They also need to know that they are in a healthy place when it comes to the status of their illness. Stress from work can be that much harder on someone living with depression or anxiety disorders. Getting assistance from an Employment Counsellor, who has an understanding of mental health issues, can also be of great value. These counselors can help in not only finding employment, but helping the employer understand the dynamics around hiring someone with a mental illness. Another hot topic surrounding employment is whether or not to disclosure the illness. There are two sides to this debate, and it is very much a personal choice with no right or wrong answer. Some feel that by disclosing they have a mental illness, their co-workers or supervisors will treat them differently. Or they may be overlooked for promotions. Others have felt that being open about their situation has taken some of the pressure off and has made it easier to ask for work place accommodations if needed. What’s important is that the person understands that they can be a valuable employee. A combination of the right employee and the right employer can easily equal success.
For more information on employment and mental illness, check out the Canadian Mental Health Association website at www.cmha.ca, or call 755-4060.
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