Our workplaces are key in promoting our mental health. From work, we gain self-esteem, self-knowledge, social roles, status and recognition, financial compensation and opportunities to make meaningful contributions to our community.
Employment provides contact with people we otherwise might not meet, allowing a sharing of views and thoughts that can change lives. Work gives us purpose and rewards outside of family commitments; it offers regular activity and structure and it allows us to feel valued and useful.
Interestingly, these qualities that work offers are also traits that support good mental health. Good mental health improves quality of life and well-being, thus improving community.
Without work, we lose much. We are more susceptible to poorer physical and mental health, to inadequate income (which leads to varying types of vulnerability), to isolation and a sense of a reduced value in society, to hopelessness.
Research of pre-retirement aged individuals shows unemployment can lead to higher mortality, poorer mental and physical health, and higher access to medical services.
Now consider that 70-90 per cent of those with a mental illness are unemployed. Most want to work鈥攁nd could鈥攂ut are blocked by myths and misinformation about their abilities. Sustained unemployment and inactivity can lead to depression, thoughts of unimportance, as well as substance abuse and isolation鈥攁ll of which worsen the mental health of the individual, and the overall health of our community.
Yet, according to the Canadian education and Research Institute, 鈥淓mployment [of those with mental health issues] can increase quality of life, reduce symptoms and episodes of illness, the use of emergency services and hospitalization. The socio economic status of people employed is improved; they have better health and live longer.鈥�
Employers who have hired people with mental illnesses have generally found strong traits sometimes otherwise hard to find: strong attention to detail; vigorous passion and diligence; sustained focus and enthusiastic creativity; high energy; great drive, tenacity, empathy and compassion; remarkable generosity of spirit and solid courage and resilience.
Statistically we have about 1,000 residents with a mental illness in Jasper. We also have chronic shortages of available workers. So it would seem a natural step that Jasper employers would take the lead in seeking out and hiring individuals who want to work and can, but might need a little more support in the workplace.
Employing people with mental health issues is no different than employing other staff members. All employees benefit from and respond better to situations where they have some control over the work they do and how they use their skills and abilities. They react well to being appreciated and to their work being valued. They welcome physical, psychological and emotional safety in the workplace, and they thrive on a sense of hope.
Often, physical adaptations to the workplace are not necessary, but if they are, the cost is often less than $500.
Like raising a child, support for those recovering from mental health issues takes a community. Acceptance, consideration, a sense of mattering and hope are all things our community can provide.
Workplaces can be a huge first step.
For more information on opening the door to your workplace to these new employees, contact the Jasper Adult Learning Centre.
Jill Stafford
Tourism Essentials Coordinator
Jasper Adult Learning Council
