Supported employment for our mental health community appreciative inquiry

Even when people struggling with serious mental health challenges have food, clothing, shelter, support with medications and other supports, if they have little to do with their time, their chance of relapse increases. Employment can give individuals dealing with mental health challenges a sense of accomplishment in their lives, developing healthy social relationships with peers and supervisors in the workplace, an opportunity to earn money and learn transferable skills as well as the potential to have long term employment with opportunity for advancement. People struggling with serious mental health challenges can face difficulties driving or navigating public transportation, inability to work full time and may need work environments that are accommodating and accepting of their challenges. People dealing with significant mental health issues may face discrimination from the stigma of their challenges and difficulty living up to the standards often expected of employees. Supported employment for our mental health community can provide sustainable opportunities for friendship, pride, self-efficacy, earned income, self-worth, wellness, education, prevention, and recovery.