From the Administrator: Employment Can Enhance Recovery
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Charles G. Curie
SAMHSA Administrator
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Many people with serious mental illnesses face a dual challenge:
recovery from mental illness, and recovery or acquisition
of the skills and abilities needed to function successfully
within the community—including the workplace.
Recovery from a mental illness is a deeply personal
process that means different things to different people
and may entail a variety of goals. Although it may not
be the best option for everyone, a job can motivate an
individual to change and offers dignity, self-respect,
a clear sense of identity, and hope for the future. In
fact, consumers of mental health services often tell
us that a job can serve as an aid to their recovery process.
Knowing that many people with serious mental illnesses
want to work, what factors keep them from doing so? The
stigma associated with mental illness may make employers
reluctant to hire them. Loss of entitlement benefits
due to increased income combined with a fear of personal
failure may cause paralyzing anxiety. Mental illnesses
and possible co-occurring substance use disorders may
contribute to functional impairments in a person's ability
to obtain and sustain a job. A lack of job training may
lead to a lack of employment skills.
What are the best ways to overcome these barriers and
increase employment success for people with serious mental
illnesses? During the past two decades, a number of best
practices have been developed, and while particular approaches
may differ, those described in this issue of SAMHSA
News suggest several common elements. These include
the integration of employment services with other mental
health rehabilitation services; an emphasis on individual
preference and practical assistance in finding jobs;
ongoing assessment and support during all phases, including
contemplation of employment, determination, action, maintenance,
and possible relapse; and encouragement of vocational
goals.
Employment requires not just the ability to perform
a set of tasks, but also organizational abilities, priority
setting, time management, anger management, and the ability
to negotiate with others. These skills simultaneously
enhance personal recovery as they contribute to vocational
growth.
With the proper encouragement and support, each can
nurture and strengthen the other, creating a stronger
society with fewer people living in poverty and dependent
on disability benefits, and resilient and self-sufficient
individuals with fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Charles G. Curie, M.A., A.C.S.W.
Administrator, SAMHSA
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