Finding jobs for people with mental illnesses and working with a mental health condition can be challenging. With our work and home lives becoming more intertwined than ever, the difficulties are becoming more prevalent for a growing number of Australians. However, maintaining a positive work-life balance can be very beneficial for people living with a mental health condition; allowing interaction with a support network while keeping a routine and active mind. Although, work-life-balance can still be overwhelming and bring on anxiety, thus there are some simple steps to follow that will allow you to feel more in control.
Why work with a mental health condition?
The workplace is a significant environment that contributes to our mental wellbeing and health. For people with mental health conditions, finding work or returning to work and retaining a job is often a challenge. Over the last decade, the dialogue in the workplace around mental health has become more frequent and open, allowing the stigmas that surround those with mental health experiences to be more understood [1]. Many organisations now appreciate that mental wellbeing in the workplace is as important as physical health when it comes to efficiency and productivity of employees. Although effective mental health services are multidimensional, the workplace is a suitable environment to promote good mental health practices and provide needed support to employees.
Research shows that steady employment can:
- Give structure and routine to one’s day-to-day life;
- Contribute to one’s sense of meaning and purpose;
- Provide a support network and opportunity for social inclusion;
- Provide financial security; and
- Provide regular activity in organising one’s daily life[2].
Additionally, the workplace can promote good mental health practices and provide tools for recognition and early identification of issues. Many Australian organisations have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider or can establish links with local mental health services for referral, treatment and rehabilitation.
Barriers to Working with a Mental Health Condition
It can be overwhelming if the way you’re feeling is starting to impact your work. With many mental health conditions, there are barriers that seem impossible to overcome and getting up everyday to go to work can be a huge challenge; and, if you’re having trouble with a challenging manager or boss, the challenge can be even greater. Global studies reveal that 79% of employees will quit a job because of their managers. However, the journey to get to the point of leaving can induce “really painful feelings that just won’t go away” says Aimee Barr, a Brooklyn, NY-based psychotherapist.
Depending on your circumstances, certain factors can make it difficult for you to stay at work or return to work after an absence. It’s important to consult with your managers or HR team to make the process as smooth and simple as possible and discuss what options are available to you. For example, many Australian business offer Employee Assistance Programs that provide access to psychologists free of charge to the employee. It may also be appropriate to discuss contacting a Disability Employment Service to understand options available.
Your legal rights and protections
Like any other employee in the workplace, you have rights and protections . All people working in Australia under the Fair Work system are entitled to general workplace protections. These rights protect you from a range of different activities and treatments within the workplace. This can include unfair treatment and flexibility arrangements under modern awards and enterprise agreements in regards working with a mental health condition.
Employers have legal responsibilities under a range of anti-discrimination laws (state/territory specific). This means, as an employee living with mental health concerns you must not be treated differently.
You can read more about your rights, protections and employment support in the workplace by visiting the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Accessing reasonable adjustments at work
It is very easy to make workplace adjustments to remove barriers to employment when needed – this includes adjustments for your mental health. These adjustments can be mentioned to your employer at any stage of your employment journey. This can be within your onboarding or once you have been employed. If you are needing assistance, share this information with your employer, alongside any suggestions you have in order to improve the workplace.
Unsure of what adjustments you think you will need? Below we have listed a range of adjustments. You may want to take a combined approach.
- Flexible hours
- Remote working options
- Quiet areas
- Ergonomic setups
- Mental health days
- Wellness programs
- Mental health awareness training
Workplace adjustments are going to look different for every individual. So, to ensure they are implemented successfully, and they have the desired impact, make sure you continue to have open conversations with your employer.
If you are wanting to access more information on workplace adjustments, and what you have access to as an employee, you can chat with JobAccess.
Managing work/life balance
Over the past several years, the way we work and where we work from, has changed drastically. The lines between where home life starts, and work life stops can be very blurred. These blurry lines often lead to staying back late, contributing more than we used to and not being able to separate our ‘work time’ from our ‘home time’. Especially with all these recent changes, it is essential that we continue to maintain a positive work-life balance, as we did years ago to protect our mental health.
First and foremost, this means sticking to working our standard working hours when we are working from the office, and from home. Although it is not always possible to leave work on time when you’re juggling tight deadlines, regularly committing to long hours can have great detrimental effects on mental and physical health. Fatigue and stress can increase, while wellbeing and sleep may also decrease which can lead to severe burn out.
Research shows that working more than 48 hours a week is linked with significant declines in productivity, more errors, and an increased risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
To help you leave at a normal time every day, consider implementing the following:
- Plan ahead: At the end/beginning of each work week set aside some time to plan your next week to ensure that everything will be able to be completed within your work hours.
- Realistic deadlines: This goes hand in hand with the previous example – make sure you have sufficient time in your diary to complete all that you need. If you think you are unable to meet deadlines, raise this will all parties involved in advance to ensure that you are not overcommitting yourself.
- Set boundaries: Set workplace boundaries and ensure all your meetings and calls are within working hours. This ensures your time is respected and saves you from overcommitting yourself.
Switch off: When you are not at work, don’t think about work or complete work activities. Work time is time for work. This might sound like an easy task, but to many it is not. Dismissing these thoughts will take time, and work – but it will be worth it.
It’s okay to ask for help
There are a many stereotypes surrounding mental health conditions and there are still stigmas associate with physical and mental disabilities. However, the more we start conversations, the more successful we will be in breaking down barriers.
If you’re feeling like your mental health is impacting your work and hindering relationships with co-workers, consider the following strategies:
- Start by talking to a professional;
- Talk to your manager or Human Resources;
- Create coping mechanisms – breathing exercises throughout the day, go for a walk, stretch, get a coffee/tea. Additionally, maintain healthy habits such as eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, keeping in contact with friends;
- Find a more supportive work environment – if your boss or co-workers are contributing to your depression at work it may not make sense to stick it out; and
- Consider seeking support from a Disability Employment Service.
Having a positive work environment with a strong social network plays a constructive role in your wellbeing, thus it is worth engaging in a dialogue with your employer to find a way to adjust your work routine to support your mental and physical health.
