Mental Illness and Employment
Reentering the Workforce Can be Possible for the Mentally Ill
Over the last 30 years, hospitalization of the mentally ill has decreased and more people with such conditions are living in community-based facilities that allow for and encourage a certain level of independence. A staff may exist to monitor their medication and behavior while there, but the ultimate goal is to reorient them to everyday living without someone hovering over them.
Work acts as one method to help "normalize" life for people who've become socially ostracized.
These programs are possible since people with certain disabilities or special conditions can still receive cash benefits from the state government while working a certain maximum of hours. The usual work allotment would be 20 hours.
Purpose of Work Programs for the Mentally Ill
The goals of disability work programs involve building self-esteem, increasing independence and polishing diminished motor, communication and social skills.
For instance, Dorothy Leftwich of Pittsburgh, who’s been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, is about to embark on a work program through Mercy Hospital. She will go through a six month internship at the hospital’s daycare center under the guidance of regular staff and vocational trainers.
At first, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation reported that Leftwich would make a poor candidate for such a work program due to her physical condition and poor motor skills; however, several weeks after her initial assessment, a placement was found for her.
“ I haven’t worked in over 20 years,” Leftwich said. "I’m nervous, but I want to do something again.”
Going back to work for her will also mean better health in the long run. Her diabetes becomes more out of control the more time she has on her hands.
“I’ll spend less time eating and watching TV,” she said. “I’ll have a life again.”
After the internship, Leftwich may or may not be considered for a permanent part-time position in a daycare facility. Her goal is to eventually move to a more independent living situation, and she believes working almost everyday will help energize her to do so.
Many people at her mental health home already work 20 hours a week.
How Effective are These Programs?
So you may ask, how frequently do people with mental illness make the transition from a work program to regular part-time employment?
According to researchers involved in a Schizophrenia Bulletin report, “These programs have succeeded in placing clients in jobs and in helping clients retain these jobs. The consistent deficiency of these programs has been their failure to prepare clients for future competitive employment outside the support provided by the rehabilitation program.”
Therefore the most effective work reform involves an employment situation that involves some sheltering, coaching or mentoring.
The more work experience the person has had previously the better. The worker’s ability to get along with others also weighs as a heavy factor.
Although the majority do not go on to find work in an unsupported environment, many benefits do help them prevail mentally:
- More stay on medication.
- More improve behavior and appearance
- More improve self-image
As more people with mental illness live in regular communities, connections to those neighborhoods are being built through work programs. These internships involve ample support to help the mentally ill improve communication, motor, social and work skills. Although most continue employment in a supported environment as opposed to a comptetitive one, the new structure to their daily lives benefits their mental and physical health overall.
Dorothy Ready to Work
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