Mental illness is prevalent in Australian society. The 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that almost one in five Australian adults have a common mental health problem (depression, anxiety or substance use disorder) at sometime during a twelve month period. Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of background, age, level of education or professional experience. Mental illnesses present in many different forms just as physical illnesses do.
What is mental illness?
It is an illness with symptoms that affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts. If treated, mental illness can be successfully managed and people can live full and productive lives. Mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorders.
What causes mental illness?
The exact cause of mental illness is rarely understood. However, it is generally accepted that a combination of biological and environmental factors create a vulnerability for some people that results in mental illness developing. People may develop symptoms in response to stress, trauma, social change, drugs or alcohol. Stress is the factor most likely to have an impact on mental health; therefore a supportive and aware workplace can ensure better health for everyone.
People who have a mental illness are part of the diversity of the Australian workforce. Mental illness does not mean a person is less skilled at their job or less committed. But unfortunately, they face the highest degree of stigmatisation in the workplace and the greatest barriers to employment opportunities. Because it is not visible, chances are, people in the workplace may not even realise that a co-worker has a mental illness. By becoming more informed about mental illness, you can help reduce stigma in the workplace, and decrease unnecessary stress for people who have a mental illness.
More information?
For more information about different kinds of disability, check out the Workplace Adjustment Tool. At step one select 'disability', at step two select 'psychiatric and mental health' followed by the subgroup you are interested in. The Workplace Adjustment Tool can also show you how to help accomodate and support people in your workplace who have mental illness.
General skills for helping people with mental illness can be found at the following link (link will open in a new window):
See our Related Links for more information on specific mental illnesses.
If you need some advice about understanding and supporting your co-workers with mental illness but you're not sure where to start, contact the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 or online:
References
Jablensky et al. (2000) 1999 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Commonwealth of Australia.