If you're looking for work and have a mental health condition, you may have questions about managing your health and finding a job that's right for you. Follow these tips from Mental Health America to help you on your job search.
By Michele Hellebuyck, Mental Health America
June is Employee Wellbeing Month, which is an ideal time to think about how to take care of yourself as you prepare for and transition to the workplace. Earlier this month, we shared tips for maintaining your physical health as you start working. Today, Mental Health America explains how to focus on and manage your mental health as you search for a job.
Employment can have a positive effect on mental health as it offers the opportunity to use your skills and talents, while boosting self-confidence. But you may have questions and concerns about finding employment as you deal with a mental health condition. Searching for a job can be a stressful and emotionally draining process, which can worsen symptoms of mental health conditions.
You may also have concerns about gaps in your employment history or feel unsure about your experience or your need to request reasonable accommodations. Don't give up! You can figure out strategies to work around barriers, often with help from friends and family, mentors and employment specialists. Here are some tips that may help you along the way!
About Ticket to WorkSocial Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce. Ticket program service providers may be able to help you develop a work plan to help you find success, identify accommodations and supports that you may need, help you report your wages to Social Security and understand the impact of earnings on your benefits. To learn more about the Ticket program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket program Find Help tool. |
Mental health conditions affect different people in various ways. Some people with mental health conditions may never stop working; others find that their condition interrupts their career; and still others may be able to do only limited work. As people recover from a mental health condition, they also face varied challenges in relation to work. Some people with mental health conditions find that they are able, with minor accommodations, to work in the same way they did before. Others may have to re-enter work gradually.
No matter your situation and no matter the hurdles you face, hold on to your goals for yourself and keep striving to incorporate meaningful activity into your life. In the past, people with mental illness were often discouraged from working, but today we understand that work is not only a possibility, but also it can often play a vital role in recovery.
Understanding how work may have an effect on your mental health, planning your job search, and finding support as you look for and transition to work are all important parts of maintaining your emotional wellbeing as a jobseeker and an employee.
Michele Hellebuyck is the Policy and Programs Manager at Mental Health America (MHA). She is responsible for the implementation of MHA programs and technical assistance, as well as the development of publications for MHA's programs and policy activities. She received her M.A. in Global Health and Economic Development. Prior to joining Mental Health America in 2017, she supported the expansion of Community Health Services abroad.
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line
Call 1-866-968-7842
1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line
Call 1-866-968-7842
1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
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