Working life and mental illness – what’s your experience?
With about 45% of Australians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, there is little doubt that we all will be affected – directly or indirectly – by a mental health problem, while at work.
SANE Australia, the national mental health charity, wants to hear about the experiences of people with mental illness, and carers, who are in work.
Barbara Hocking, executive director of SANE Australia said that for people living with a mental illness, finding and keeping a job can be a major challenge.
It can also be an issue for family members and other carers who need workplace flexibility and support from time to time.
SANE Australia is conducting an on-line research survey on working life and mental illness to find out more about the challenges people face, the type of support that has helped, and the type of support that would help to keep them employed.
“By completing this short survey and helping us better understand this issue, we can campaign for improved workplace education and develop training and support services,” says Ms Hocking.
The short questionnaire can be accessed on http://www.sane.org or by contacting the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263). All respondents remain anonymous.
