Work and Resiliency: How Mental Health and Work Are Closely Connected

“A culture of wellness at work begins with understanding and supporting mental health.” ~ joyfulthroughitall.com

Undoubtedly work can be important for mental health. We derive a lot from working whether it is paid or unpaid. An article on the Canadian Mental Health Association website says this about the benefits of work for those with lived experience of mental illness: “Staying connected to work can be helpful during recovery. It can be a place to contribute your skills, build social connections, contribute to something bigger, and earn a paycheque. A job can be part of how you see yourself. Talk with your care team for ideas and strategies that support your work goals” (2016).

However, what kind of work you do, and the workplace environment are crucial to whether work is a positive resource or not. Work is successful for a person with lived experience of mental illness when it works alongside mental health instead of against it. I have learned the hard way in workplaces that either were unduly stressful and/or not a good fit for me, how work can contribute to burnout and ultimately can be a large contributing factor to a mental health episodes.