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Getting back to work when you have a mental illness can be a challenge. Whether you have never worked, or have not been in work for months or even years, it’s important to be as prepared as possible, to be realistic, and to know where to get information and support.

How do I get started?

Returning to a job If your employer is holding a job open while you recover – discuss with your supervisor, human resource manager or counsellor about your approach to returning to work; consider what supports you might need, such as working part-time while you build back up to more hours.

Finding new work
Centrelink can refer you to a Job Network or Disability Employment Network (DEN) agency, or to vocational rehabilitation through an agency such as CRS Australia. A private career counsellor may also be able to help. Remember to be patient – looking for a job can take time.

Other types of work
Volunteering can be a good way to build up skills and help you get back into a routine. If you feel ready, consider registering with a recruitment agency for temporary work to ease back into employment with short-term contracts.

Should I disclose my illness to an employer?

Deciding whether to tell an employer that you have a mental illness can be difficult. Talk with your doctor, a close friend or worker at an employment agency about the reasons for and against disclosure in your circumstances, especially if your symptoms may affect health and safety issues (such as operating machinery). Discuss, too, whether you need (or want) to tell co-workers, and how this could be done. Possible concerns include being treated unsympathetically, not offered promotion, or even being fired. Benefits can include the employer being understanding and prepared to help if you need time off, and feeling supported if you become unwell at work.

Disclosure and many other issues are covered in the SANE Guide to Getting Back to Work, a guidebook specially developed for people with a mental illness looking for employment and full of helpful information, tips and useful contacts. There is also a SANE Guide to Mental Illness for the Workplace written to help employers, managers and co-workers understand the impact of a range of illnesses, with practical tips on what they can do to help that benefit everyone.

What can I do to stay at work?

An essential part of being a productive and valued employee is making sure your symptoms are well managed, and that you feel understood and supported by managers and co-workers.

Handling stress at work is very important as this can be a factor in the onset or worsening of symptoms. Some strategies include taking slow deep breaths, talking about how you feel to someone you trust, making sure you take holidays, and planning occasional ‘mental health days’ using annual leave, rather than calling in sick at the last minute. Talk to a health professional about other stress management techniques.

Try to keep your life in balance by doing things that help you stay well, such as taking any prescribed medications, psychotherapy, exercise, getting enough sleep, doing things you enjoy to relax, and socialising with friends and family.

Decide soon after you start a job what action is best for a manager or co-worker to take if you start to become unwell. This may include providing a quiet space and making a call to a family member or friend, treating doctor or crisis team.

What can I do about being a smoker at work?

Discuss giving up smoking with your doctor before taking steps to stop. The doctor can provide helpful advice, especially where there may be an interaction between quitting aids and medications. See the SANE SmokeFree Zone Guide for more about how to quit. If you do need to smoke at work, minimise its impact by using breath mints, making sure you don’t take more breaks than your co-workers, smoke discreetly in designated areas and dispose of butts appropriately.

How do I find out more?

It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns, as well as a contact worker at an employment agency if you have one.

To order any of the SANE Guides mentioned on this Factsheet visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263).

SANE Australia . . . Getting back to work

©SANE Factsheet 28 This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied
and distributed on condition no change is made to the contents. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. SANE Australia is a business name of Schizophrenia Australia Foundation.

[Version English, 2006)