Jobs for Those With Mental Illness: 4 Fast Facts to Success

When it comes to finding jobs for those with mental illness, the main hurdle may lie in simply getting started. One of the most difficult parts of finding a great job when you are living with a mental disorder is recognizing how beneficial you really could be to potential employers. As someone with a mental disorder you know that your brain is wired differently. This can actually be a major perk when today's businesses need new, innovative employees with outside the box ideas.

Consider this - 78% of employers report that they have an overwhelmingly positive experience with employees with mental disorders, noting how well they fit in and compliment their existing staff. That is as high, if not higher, than that of the general population with 55,939 people being fired daily in the US alone. Knowing how vital you are to the work force can motivate you to find a career that makes waking up early worth it. These fast facts can help you find one that is right for you.

Doing What You Love

The Greeks had it right - "know thyself". It is the key to almost everything you will do in life and your job search is no exception. If you have a condition such as schizophrenia, it is even more imperative that you know yourself and your worth. As many doctors note, how very important work can be for your recovery and relapse prevention. What do you love to do? The answer may be simple. If you love what you do - mental illness or no mental illness - you will excel at the project at hand. For instance, if you love being outside, consider a job at a local park or farm. If you love books, start your search at your local library or book store chain.

Volunteering for Future Success

When you are not sure if you are quite ready to take the plunge to full time or part time employment volunteering can be an effective way to get your feet wet. Volunteering not only helps you to gain work experience but also make connections. There are many organizations right near you who would be grateful for your efforts. Research their missions, charities and organizations for more information.

Employment Support 

If you qualify, the government offers programs that can help you integrate seamlessly into a job you cannot wait to go to each day. According to the State of Vermont Department of Mental Health, Supported Employment allows you to receive job coaching for 90 days until you are ready to go it alone. You can also find outside help that lasts for whatever length you deem appropriate and that is more involved, catered to you and your needs. This can greatly increase your odds at not only getting in the workforce but staying at it.

Respecting Your Rhythm

As the old saying goes "Don't borrow trouble." Whatever sleep schedule works for you is the schedule you should keep. This is true for all people but especially those with existing medical conditions. Proper sleep is a vital component to leading a healthy life and helps you give your best each day both at work and to yourself.

As you journey to find the job that highlights all your best and many qualities, remember you have plenty to offer a potential employer. When you know your worth... companies will know it too. If you need a little help getting there, we would love to help. You have so much to offer the world around you.

Contact us today to learn more about our career consulting services, how we can polish your potential and help you get on the fast track to gainful employment.

Sources:

Support Employment: http://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/services/supported_employment

3 Good Matched Jobs for those who suffer with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 5.7 million men and women in the US alone.¹ If you are living with this disorder, you may be concerned about job stress levels and finding the career that is perfect for both you and your illness. While bipolar patients tend to thrive at anything they do, these three jobs for those with bipolar disorder bring out your strengths, aid recovery and also help to make the world a better place. 

Artist/Graphic Designer

Science has proven that creative people are more likely to be diagnosed with mental illness than any other group. This comes as no surprise. In order to be creative, one has to have a different outlook and a unique way of thinking. In fact, many of the historical and artistic figures you learned about in school suffered from bipolar disorder. Famed artist Jackson Pollock had Bipolar Disorder and it is one reason his art was so unique.² Because bipolar patients need a healthy creative outlet, it makes sense that a job that allows for such creativity will be a place for thriving. 

Non-Profit Professional

Working at a job that supports feel-good attitudes is an excellent choice for those with bipolar disorder. Non-profits make for a great fit and require caring, understanding individuals. Because bipolar can be a difficult walk, you sympathize with those in similar situations. This can make you outstanding at a job of this nature. Just be sure the job you are looking into doesn't have any rising and falling stressors that may affect your progress.

Author/Copywriter

Many famed writers had this common ailment - Edgar Allan Poe, Virginia Woolf and even Ernest Hemingway. Many of the writers in the past 120 years had some form of mental illness, ranging from mild OCD to severe forms of schizophrenia. Not only are people with bipolar disorder typically great at creative fields like writing, journaling is a healthy way to release feelings and stay on track but you do not have to write a novel to join the field. Try your hand at copywriting first. This will pay the bills while you work on manuscripts. 

When you are stuck in a job rut and don't know what to do, reach out for a helping hand. We would love for you to contact us today.... we can help you get on the path to the career of your dreams, a perfect match for you and your illness.

Sources:

1.  Who is affected by by bipolar disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2016, from 

     http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_statistics_bipolar_disorder 

2.  Rothenberg A. (2001). Bipolar illness, creativity, and treatment. Psychiatr. Q. 72, 131–147 [PubMed]