Going back to work can be scary for a lot of people who are having problems with their mental health. But having a job is so important for mental health recovery because it gives people order, purpose, and the necessary social connections. At Bridge Support, we know how important this journey is, and we’re here to give people with mental health issues the individualised help they need to get back to work and do well.

Why having a job is important for mental health recovery

Going back to work after a time of mental illness isn’t just a financial necessity; it’s also an important part of getting better. Working gives us a sense of purpose, helps us set up a habit, and gives our days structure. These things are very important for improving self-esteem and reducing the loneliness that can come with mental health problems.

But there are more perks to having a job than meets the eye. Having a job gives you a sense of identity, social contact, and financial security, all of which make your life and circumstances better. In fact, it gets harder to go back to work after being away for a while. That’s why it’s important to make going back to work a priority from the start. It’s an important part of the recovery journey.

What Gets in the Way of Employment

Even though the rewards are clear, it can be very hard for people with mental health problems to go back to work. The shame that still surrounds mental health is one of the biggest problems. Many people are afraid that if they tell others about their mental health situation, they will be treated unfairly, and unfortunately, this fear is not unfounded. Some employers have harmful and out-of-date ideas about people with mental health problems, like thinking that they are less skilled, more aggressive, or need more supervision than other workers.

People who disclose a mental health condition often have fewer job possibilities because of these false beliefs. Many are only considered for entry-level or low-level jobs. Some businesses still don’t want to hire people who have mental health problems, even though there is proof that these workers can do as well as or even better than their peers.

Bridge Support

We at Bridge Support know that everyone’s path to recovery is different. That’s why we offer individualised help to help people get past these problems and reach their job goals. According to research, the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model helps people with serious mental health problems get and keep jobs. This is what our method is based on.

The eight main ideas that make up the IPS model are:

Competition in the Job Market: We help people find jobs that pay at least the minimum wage and match their skills.

Systematic Job Development: Our employment specialists go to businesses to learn how they hire people and look for good job openings.

Rapid Job Search: We put getting a job quickly first and begin the search within four weeks.

Integrated Services: To make sure we take a look at the whole picture, our job support teams work together with our mental health treatment teams.

Benefits Planning: We give people personalised information about their financial rights to assist them in making well-informed choices about whether or not to return to work.

Zero Exclusion: No one is turned away from our services because of their diagnosis, past of drug use, or anything else.

Time-Unlimited Support: We offer ongoing support for as long as it’s needed, based on the preferences and wants of each person.

Worker Preferences: Instead of forcing our own ideas on people, we try to find jobs that fit their hobbies and choices.

With this model, we’ve helped a lot of people take that important first step back into the job market by giving them the support they need to succeed.

The Effect of Employment on Health and Happiness

The perks of going back to work reach beyond the individual. When people with mental health problems are helped to get back to work, it has a positive effect on their families, communities, and society as a whole.

Long-term mental health stability is helped by steady employment, since people are less likely to relapse when they have a stable job and a supportive workplace. It also makes personal and business relationships better because it gives people back their confidence and sense of purpose. In terms of money, it makes things easier for families and makes people less reliant on state services, which saves money for everyone.

It’s also good for the workplace when people who have mental health problems are included. Studies have shown that workplaces that are diverse and value people of all skills tend to be more productive and have higher morale. When employers make an effort to create an inclusive workplace, all employees tend to get along better with each other, do better work, and feel better about working for the company.

How employers can help with mental health at work

Here are some real-world things managers can do to make their workplaces more welcoming:

Anti-Stigma Training: Teach your team about mental health and how important it is to be open to everyone. To make a supportive atmosphere, it’s important to bust myths and lower stigma.

Changes that are reasonable: Simple, low-cost changes should be made to help workers who are having mental health issues. This could mean having free hours, more breaks, or the chance to work from home.

Open Dialogue: Get people to talk about mental health in an open way. When workers don’t have to worry about being judged when they talk about their problems, they are more likely to get help and keep working.

Help with Networks: Make mental health heroes or peer support networks in the workplace. These can be very helpful for workers who are having problems with their mental health.

Checking in with Workers Often: Ask your workers how they’re doing every so often. In this way, any problems can be found early on, and you can offer support.

At Bridge Support, we believe that getting back into work is an important part of a person’s recovery journey. Employers can get a more diverse and productive workforce and also help improve society as a whole by making workplaces more welcoming and helping employees who are dealing with mental health issues.

Further Reading

Providing Employment Support For People With Mental Health Challenges

Essential Skills for Mental Health Recovery & Independence 

How Community Involvement and Social Connections Aid Mental Health Recovery