Some consumers are reluctant to go back to work because they have been told they have a "stress sensitive" disorder and a job might cause a relapse. Other consumers believe they can’t work because they still experience symptoms of their disorder. Still other consumers have been out of the work force for so long that they are unsure about their ability to handle a job while others are waiting until they "recover."

These attitudes are unfortunate, because work can have a positive effect on a person’s recovery. Recovery doesn’t mean that a person no longer has symptoms of their mental illness. Recovery has a much more complicated definition than that. Consumers who are successful have described recovery as:

• Having hope for the future
• Having a reason to get up in the morning
• Being able to connect to other people in a meaningful way
• Accomplishing something worthwhile
• Getting positive rewards from their social role
• Having confidence in their ability to handle stress
• Believing that there is a connection between personal effort and success
• Being able to make choices.

Work can help you achieve recovery in all of these areas. It gives you an opportunity to make friends, helps you set goals, lets you take on the role of someone other than a "mental health client," and if you get paid, gives you more choices in your life.

If you are thinking about going back to work, talk to your therapist about getting involved in a vocational program. You can decide on whether a paid or volunteer experience will be better for your situation. She may also refer you to a benefits specialist who can explain the social security or veterans administration laws to you. This is important because you don’t want to lose your benefits if you go back to work.

If you decide you want to have a paid job, ask your therapist about vocational rehabilitation programs that help people with mental illness. These vocational programs can provide support services such as resume writing, help with interviewing and job coaching. If you decide to do some job seeking on your own, go to your public library. They have many resources for job seekers such as information about job-related web-sites, support-groups for job hunters and job postings. The Division of Labor and Employment has job postings, but you may have to do most of the legwork yourself. If there is an independent living center in your community, they can also be a good resource. They may be able to refer you to agencies or organizations that specialize in finding jobs for people with disabilities.

If you decide that a volunteer experience is best for you, there are many opportunities in your community. This is a good option if you’ve been out of the work force for a long period of time. Volunteering is a way to get experience under your belt. Charities and programs that provide services to the needy always need volunteers. The first thing to do is decide what kind of work you want to do. If you like animals, call your community animal shelters. You may not be able to volunteer with a city-funded shelter, but private shelters are always looking for volunteers. If you like to work with people, drop-in centers and programs that serve those with mental illness a good choice. Talk to your community mental health center to see if there are volunteer opportunities in their day treatment or community support programs. If you want to work for an agency that provides direct services to children or the elderly, you may encounter some roadblocks. Children’s programs and programs that serve the elderly do extensive background checks on any potential volunteers. For some consumers, this may be a barrier because of their mental health or arrest history. You can also contact your local United Way or Community Chest and ask about volunteer opportunities.

RESUMES AND APPLICATIONS

We won’t go into too much detail about resume writing or filling out job applications. There are hundreds of good resources on the internet and at the library that go into far more depth than we can here. You can also talk to your librarian or vocational rehabilitation counselor to get more information about resumes and job applications.

THE INTERVIEW PROCESS – SPECIAL NOTES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

At some point in your job search, you will be invited to a job interview. Before you go into a job interview, it’s important to be prepared for some of the specific challenges consumers may encounter. First, know what your skills and abilities are. You probably have many skills that you aren’t even aware of. Ask a friend what she thinks your good qualities are. Some of these qualities can translate into job skills. Write them down and memorize them. Second, learn as much as you can about the business that will be interviewing you. Employers are usually impressed when the person they are interviewing knows about their business. Your library or the Internet are good resources. Finally, practice. Pair up with a friend. Think about some questions that you think an employer might ask and write them down. Have your friend play the part of the employer and practice the interview.

Its especially important for consumers, to know about the interview process specific to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, state and local government activities, public accommodations, public transportation and public services. The ADA protects people with mental illness (psychiatric disabilities) if they meet certain guidelines.

The ADA has specific guidelines for the interview and hiring process. It’s helpful to know a what your rights are before you go into an actual interview. We are presenting a brief overview of the ADA. For more information, talk to your vocational rehabilitation counselor, or log on to:

http://www.ada-infonet.org – ADA Information Center

http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/ - Job Accommodation Nework – a comprehensive site that has a wealth of information on the ADA. You can also ask questions directly (via e-mail) about ADA related issues.

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm The U>S> Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act Homepage.

http://www.bazelon.org – Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

In general, the ADA protects people with disabilities who are looking for work in the following ways:

• There are limits to the questions that can be asked in an interview. During the interview, before an actual job offer is made, an employer cannot ask you questions that might reveal information about a disability, including a mental illness. For example, in an interview, an employer cannot ask, "Do you have a mental illness?" or "Have you ever been in counseling?" The same applies to questions on a written job application.
• You don’t have to disclose the fact that you have a disability. Hiring decisions should be based on a person’s qualifications to do the job. Therefore, you are not required to disclose your disability at the time you apply for a job, even if you need a workplace accommodation at a later time (more about accommodations follows). In fact, you can wait until you actually need an accommodation, which may be months later, before you disclose your disability.
• After an employer has offered you a job, he does have the right to ask you about any medical conditions or disabilities, as long as the information is kept confidential and all employees who are being hired for similar jobs are asked the same questions. If an employer uses any of the information you reveal about your disability to withdraw the job offer, he must prove that his reasons are "job related and consistent with business necessity."

Back to Top

ABOUT JOB ACCOMMODATIONS

A job accommodation is an adjustment or change that is made to a job or the workplace that helps an employee successfully perform the position’s basic duties. A reasonable accommodation does not change essential job functions. The accommodation cannot be too expensive or disruptive for the employer.

Examples of accommodations for people with mental illness may include:

• Unpaid leave of absence (i.e. for counseling, hospitalizations, managing symptoms)
• Policy changes such as letting someone on medication take more frequent breaks than are usually allowed, to drink water or use the bathroom
• Bringing a job coach to work to help learn the job.
• Changing the work schedule of a person whose medications make him groggy in the morning.

These are only a few examples of the types of accommodations that might help a person with mental illness succeed on the job.

If you think a job accommodation will help you, you need to talk to your supervisor. It’s not your employer’s responsibility to "guess" if you need an accommodation and he won’t be held liable if he doesn’t provide accommodations because you didn’t ask. You don’t have to ask for an accommodation in writing, but you should keep some kind of record of any conversations or meetings you have.

Once you’ve made the request, your employer must make a reasonable effort to set up an appropriate accommodation. You also have to work with him to develop the accommodation. It’s not enough just to ask for the accommodation and then forget about it. You have to be willing to work with your employer in setting up the accommodation or you may lose your rights under the ADA. Your employer may ask you to provide medical evidence of your disability and to attend meetings. If you refuse an accommodation your employer suggests, you still need to work with your employer to find a suitable accommodation. You may want to ask for an advocate to help you.

For more information, contact the:

Job Accommodation Network

http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/

Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers

1-800-949-4232

http://www.adata.org/

They can provide you with more information about job accommodations.

Back to Top

DISCLOSURE

Deciding whether or not to tell your employer about your mental illness is a very personal decision. You need to compare the potential problems associated with disclosure with the benefits. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

• Do I need an accommodation to do my job?
• Will an accommodation keep me from being disciplined or fired?
• Do I need an accommodation to stay in good health?
• Can changes be made in my work environment without me having to disclose my disability?
• Will the information stay confidential?
• Will other employees, including my supervisor, harass me or discriminate against me if I let them know about my mental illness?
• Do I want to risk losing privacy by telling people about my personal problems?
• Will an accommodation make my work experience more successful and rewarding?

Back to Top

OTHER TOUGH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Consumers who are returning to the workforce after a long absence will face other issues in the interview and hiring process. If you have been out of the workforce for a long period of time, you may feel compelled to disclose your mental illness to explain why you’ve been out of work. Think carefully about this, because if you volunteer information about a disability, before being offered a job, the ADA may not protect you. There are probably reasons for and against disclosing and it is a very personal decision.

If you choose not to disclose, remember that people are out of the workforce for a variety of reasons not related to mental illness. Homemakers who stayed at home to raise children have gaps in their work history. So do people who care for a sick relative, free-lance writers, artists or those who haven’t been able to find a job that matches their skills. If you decide to disclose your illness, you don’t have to give any details. You can simply say, "I was dealing with a disabling illness, but I am well now and ready to go back to work."

Back to Top

GOING TO WORK

After you’ve succeeded with the interview process, and you have been offered the job, you are going to have day-to-day responsibilities to think about. If you have been out of the work force for a long time, it may be hard to take the first step. "How do I dress?" "How do I talk to co-workers?" "What if my boss doesn’t like me?" We have put together the following tips that can help you when you first start on the job.

BEFORE YOU GO TO WORK

You want to look your best to make the best impression on the job. The way you look can have an effect on your job success. The way other people see you can affect the way they treat you, so it’s important to pay attention to how you look. It also has an effect on the way you feel about yourself. The easiest way to do this is to develop good hygiene habits. Good grooming does not cost a lot of money. When you look your best, you show others you care about yourself.

Good Grooming tips

• You need to take a shower or bath every day. It shows you have respect for others and respect for yourself. Use some type of deodorant each day. It controls the body odor that comes from sweating.
• Brush you teeth at least once a day and if possible, after each meal. When you don’t brush your teeth, you get bad breath and people don’t want to be around you. Mouthwash or gum can also keep away bad breath.
• Shaving is important. Each job has different rules about facial hair. If you work at a job that lets its employees wear a beard or moustache, make sure you keep it trimmed.
• Wash your hair at least once every three days. Hair that hasn’t been washed smells bad and looks unsightly. Comb your hair several times each day to keep it neat looking. Get a good haircut that’s easy to take care of. Extreme hairstyles and hair colors are inappropriate for most jobs. If you have long hair, keep it in a ponytail or pinned up.
• Keep your fingernails clean and trimmed. If you wear long nails, keep them a reasonable length. Extremely long nails can be a safety hazard and can keep you from doing your best work. For women, a little makeup is appropriate. Use natural colors and don’t apply it too heavily. If you’re unsure about your makeup routine, ask a friend whose opinion you trust.

Dress Appropriately

To make the best impression, wear the right clothes. Like hygiene, what we wear can affect the way others treat us. One team of experts found that clothes are just as important to a person’s job success as their work performance. Here are some general guidelines:

• Wear the right clothes for the job. When you first get hired, ask if there are any special clothes you will need such as a uniform or steel-toed boots. Find out if the workplace is relaxed or requires it’s employees to wear more professional clothing. Avoid wearing very tight or revealing clothes. At most jobs, they are unprofessional and can give customers and co-workers the wrong impression.
• Make sure your clothes are neat, clean and wrinkle-free. Mend any tears and never wear anything that’s stained. If you don’t like to iron, take your clothes out of the dryer as soon as they are dry and fold them. Also, avoid fabrics such as cotton and linen, which usually require ironing.
• Shop at thrift stores. You will probably be able to find the right kind of work-clothes at stores like Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries. Even someone who is on a limited income can afford them.
• Find out if there is a dress code. Watch your co-workers to see how they dress. If you are unsure about the dress code, ask your supervisor.
• Be safety conscious. If you will be working around machinery, don’t wear loose-fitting clothing. Keep your hair pinned up because long hair can get caught in machinery. Trim long nails and keep jewelry to a minimum.
• Be comfortable. It’s hard to concentrate on learning a new job if your shoes or pantyhose are uncomfortable. Try your clothes on the night before so a pair of tight-fitting shoes or pants won't surprise you on your way to work.

Back to Top

GETTING READY FOR WORK

GETTING TO WORK

You’re going to have to think about how you will get to work. Planning ahead can help you avoid a lot of stress. Transportation and childcare will be on-going responsibilities.

• Make sure you have dependable transportation. If you drive, make sure your car has plenty of gas and is well maintained. If you don’t drive, learn the bus schedules and have correct change. If busses don’t run in your community, you may have to walk, ride a bicycle or get a ride from a friend or relative. Have a back-up plan in case your car doesn’t start or if you miss your bus.
• If you have children, you will have to find dependable childcare. You may be lucky enough to have a neighbor or relative you trust who can watch your child. If not, you will have to find a reliable day care center or babysitter. If you are on SSI or on a welfare-to-work program, your caseworker may be able to help you to find childcare.

GETTING READY

Starting a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may not know anyone there, you don’t know if you’ll be able to do the job. You don’t even know if you’ll like it! We’ve all been there and most people survive the first day on the job. Here are some tips to get you through the first day:

• Get ready for your new routine. For some consumers, getting up early can be a chore because of the medications they take. If your new job starts early in the morning, but your medication keeps you groggy until noon, talk to your psychiatrist about changing the times you take your meds. Your also want to practice getting up at the new time for a few day to get adjusted.
• Have a positive attitude. You will be successful if you expect good things to happen. If you feel symptoms coming on, excuse yourself for a few minutes until you get the symptoms under control. During those few minutes, take slow, calm breaths, or do another stress relieving exercise that works for you.
• If you normally take medication during the hours you are at work, make sure you pack enough medication to carry you through the day.
• Have the number to your counselor, close friend or support group handy. Ask them permission to call for support if your stress level or symptoms get overwhelming. Ask your supervisor to take a break before you make the call.

Back to Top

CO-WORKERS

MEETING PEOPLE – TEAMWORK IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

A team is a group of people who work together to achieve a common goal. When you start a new job, you will be expected to become part of the team. This doesn’t happen right away. It will take some time for you to learn your job and for co-workers to get to know you and know what your skills are. As you get better at your job, others will begin to respect you. Here are some suggestions:

• Get to know your co-workers. You will be spending a large part of the day with them, so you want to have a pleasant working relationship.
• Learn your job. Find out what others expect from you. Pay attention to how co-workers do their job and follow their lead. As you learn your job, you may come up with a better way to do things. Ask before you change anything because there might be a reason why things are done a certain way.
• Don’t be overly sensitive. People at work often show their fondness for each other by teasing and joking. If this happens, don’t get angry. Be a good sport and let others know you also appreciate a good joke. If you really can’t handle the joking, talk to your co-workers first, before talking to your supervisor. Of course, if the jokes are cruel, are in the form of sexual or racial discrimination, let your supervisor know.
• Be discreet about your illness. Consumers who have had a lot of experience with support groups or therapy are usually very open about their disorders. Talking about your mental health problems is appropriate in a support group but it is not appropriate on the job. Most mental health professionals and consumers are accepting about mental illness. This may not be true in a work situation. Many people in the community are still ignorant about mental illness and beleive common stereotypes. As you make close acquaintances, you will have to decide on an individual basis whether or not to disclose information about your illness.
• Don’t be a know-it-all. You are the new kid on the block. Get to know your company and co-workers before you try to change things.
• Don’t get involved in gossip. There may be times when co-workers try to get you to listen to gossip about another team member. Gossip at work is something you should always avoid. It is hurtful and has never solved a problem.
• Share credit when it’s deserved. If a co-worker helps you with a project, share the credit. Taking credit for someone else’s work is like stealing – you are stealing their appreciation and their respect.

GOOD WORK HABITS

It’s important to maintain good work habits. Being on time and showing up for work when scheduled are important to your job success. This is because an organization can’t operate without dependable workers. A supervisor has to be able to rely on its employees coming to work on tee each day. When a worker is late or absent, it causes problems for the organization and for other employees.

When an employee is absent from his or her job, the company loses money. The employees who are at work can’t produce as much and the quality of work may be poor. When other workers are rushed, they can’t give customers the service they deserve. These things cost the company money.

Being absent causes problems for co-workers and supervisors. Supervisors will have to rearrange schedules and your co-workers have to do your job. There may be times when you have a good excuse to be late or absent. Being sick is an acceptable excuse. Having a hangover, or sleeping too late is not. If you are serious about doing a good job, and being at work on time, there are steps you can take.

Lead a healthy life style by getting enough sleep and eating right. It’s hard to do a good job when you don’t get enough sleep. Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. It’s good to get into a routine where you go to bed at the same time each night. Eating right is important, too. When you have good eating habits, you are less likely to get sick and miss work.

Avoid drinking and drugging. Drinking too much can cause a hangover, which will affect your job performance. Drinking also causes other health problems that can cause you to miss work. Drinking on the job or right before going to work can get you fired. Abusing drugs cause the same kinds of problems as alcohol. Drugs can cause hangovers and affect your work performance. They also affect your health, which will make you less likely to do a good job. At many jobs, using illegal drugs, even when you are off work, is a reason to get fired.

If you need to take time off, plan ahead with your supervisor. Absences for doctors appointments should be planned a couple of weeks ahead of time. Longer absences such as vacations, should be planned at least a month in advance.

Even when you plan ahead, there will be times when you have to miss work. Your supervisor will usually understand if you miss work only once in a while. Most companies have limits on the number of absences an employee can have. When an employee goes over those limits, he or she can be subject to disciplinary action. If you can’t make it to work, despite your best efforts, call your supervisor and let him or her know why you are missing work, and when you expect to return to work. It’s best not to lie. Let your supervisor know you will be willing to make up the work you missed while absent. By following these tips, your supervisor will know you are serious about doing a good job.

Your relationships can affect your job success. Pay attention to the company you keep. If your friends don’t work, and party until late at night, you might be tempted to join them, even though you have to work the next day. Find positive friends who respect you and respect your right to want to do a good job.

Your relationships at work can also affect your career success. It’s good to have friends at work, but you should avoid romances with co-workers, and don’t let your friendships with co-workers interfere with your job.

Back to Top

The information and content provided on the CHN site are offered for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or behavioral health condition.