Work provides people with more than just an income. Many people associate their identity with their work and employment can increase a person's sense of achievement, satisfaction and self-esteem. Being in employment can help give a structure and purpose to each day. Although not the primary purpose of work, employment allows for social contact with others and for many people is a place where they make friends.
Employment is not best for everyone with a mental health problem, as some people find that it exacerbates their mental health issues.
Many people with mental health problems want to be in employment, and studies have shown that there are benefits to being in work for people who have, or who have had, mental health problems. Mind has heard from many people who want to be in work but who have encountered discrimination and a lack of understanding from employers and other staff.
If you do want to be in work, there is support available to people who have or who have experienced mental health problems who wish to be employed. For futher advice try the Time to Challenge Website which has practical advice for both employers and employees.
Paid work usually gives more financial security, but for some people being in paid work can mean becoming worse off financially due to benefits and other support reducing or stopping. Mind is campaigning about these issues.
If you would like to find out if you would be better off in employment or on benefits then talk to a welfare benefits adviser explaining, if necessary, how your mental health impacts on your ability to work.
Welfare benefits advisers can be found at some local Mind associations, Citizen's Advice Bureaux, other voluntary and charitable organisations, independent advice centres, local authorities, health services, law centres and housing associations.
See the following Mind booklets and factsheets for more information on employment: