Supporting and promoting good mental health in the workplace: a service user perspective.

Abstract

Many people with mental health issues are workless; and of the minority who do work, many are in elementary occupations. Despite this, good quality work is often promoted as beneficial for mental wellbeing. The discussion in this article explores my reflections about my experiences encountered as a person with schizophrenia managing mental distress in the workplace in the UK, whilst working as a senior lecturer in social work. The importance of a working identity is considered as central to my sense of wellbeing and recovery, although it is acknowledged that for some people, other activities that promote meaningful activity, rather than working, can best support their recovery. This first person narrative reflects on the difficulties caused by mental ill-health symptoms that impact on my wellbeing at work. The potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, to support the improvement of my mental wellbeing in the work place is discussed alongside the central role of the therapist in delivering this intervention. The opportunities ACT offers to support a person with mental health issues to manage the disabling impact of mental health symptoms in the workplace are highlighted, and its potential for wider implementation across mental health services is considered.