Members,
The following information is taken from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Mental illness is the most stigmatized disability in the workplace. Due to this stigma people with mental illness often face the greatest barriers to employment. Some of the obstacles they face are: “gaps in work history, limited employment experience, lack of confidence, fear and anxiety, workplace discrimination and inflexibility, social stigma and the rigidity of existing income support/benefit programs.” (CMHA, 2009)
Many people with mental illness find these obstacles too difficult to face. This can explain the 70-90% unemployment rate amongst people with mental illness. Being a productive member of the community is a basic human need. The Mental Health Works is a great new program offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Visit their site at http://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/index.asp. There is a ton of information for you and your employer. Let us know what you think and what you have learned!
The above information was taken from:
Canadian Mental Health Association (2009) Employment and Mental Illness. Retrieved on June 4, 2009, from http://www.cmha.ca/BINS/content_page.asp?cid=3-109
Ashley, Health Educator
