Working Life & Mental Illness: SANE Research

With about 45 per cent of Australians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, SANE says there is little  doubt that we all will be affected – directly or indirectly – by a mental health problem, while at work.  

The Not for Profit organisation wants to hear about the experiences of people with mental illness, and carers, who are in work.

Barbara Hocking, Executive Director of SANE Australia says that for people living with a mental illness, finding and keeping a job can be a major challenge and it can also be an issue for family members and other carers who need workplace flexibility and support from time to time.

Hocking says the research wants to know the challenges people face, the type of support that has helped, and the type of support that would help to keep them employed.

Previous research by SANE has identified that a lack of suitable part-time and flexible work for people with a mental illness was the primary barrier to getting back to work.

Hocking says by completing a short survey the organisation can campaign for improved workplace education and develop training and support services.

The short questionnaire can be accessed by clicking on www.sane.org or by contacting the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263). All respondents remain anonymous.