1 in 5 Australians live with a mental health condition. We support people living with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions into meaningful work.
What is mental health?
Mental health is emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how individuals think, feel and act.
- Almost 45 per cent of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime
- The most common conditions are depression, anxiety and substance abuse
We know the importance of good mental health and a mentally healthy workplace, and how mental health can be improved through work. We also know the benefits good work can have on people living with mental health conditions, and how unemployment can influence poorer mental health outcomes.
Through our work, we’re helping people living with mental health conditions to improve their lives through employment.
Learn more about choosing atWork Australia as your Inclusive Employment Australia provider here (formerly DES).
Referred to us by Centrelink, or wish to learn more about Workforce Australia? Head here.
Working with a mental health condition
We know that people living with mental health conditions can work, and that meaningful employment can support mental wellbeing while benefiting families, friends and the broader community.
Research into the health benefits of work has shown:
- Employment prevents psychiatric illness as employed people have lower psychiatric illness scores
- Long term work absence and unemployment have a negative impact on health and wellbeing
- Good quality employment is good for improving mental health
- Re entering the workforce can aid recovery and shorten the duration of treatment
- Work is a therapeutic intervention; it aids in the treatment of mental health conditions
- Employment can decrease the risk of depression and improves general mental health
In short, there are a multitude of health benefits of employment, both physical and psychological, for people working with a mental health condition.
How do we help people living with mental health conditions find good work?
atWork Australia knows that one size doesn t fit all when it comes to finding a job, and this applies when you live with a mental health condition. That s why we
offer tailored support to help people with mental health conditions find and maintain meaningful employment.
A dedicated Job Coach
You’ll get your very own Job Coach providing support to gain a sustainable career. We get to know you, how we can best help you, and what job would suit you best. We’re there with you as you meet your training, life and employment goals.
Positivum™
We developed our own health and wellbeing program, which features an online assessment with interactive modules, and an individualised wellbeing coaching program. Positivum™ helps us to understand the beliefs and perceptions that may be a barrier to employment, and the health coaching program aims to address these.
Access to in-house allied health professionals
Access to our in-house allied health expertise (including psychologists and physiotherapists), should you need extra support.
Access to employers who are ready to hire
We work with employers to promote the benefits of employing people living with disability, injury or health condition, building a solid business case and the confidence to do so.
Support once you start working
Depending on our client’s needs, we’ll continue to support them for 52 weeks post-placement support, ongoing support, or on the job support. This is individually tailored to the specific needs and goals of our clients.
Mental health success stories
We’ve been helping Australians find good work since 2003. Many of our clients come to atWork Australia looking for work while living with mental health conditions. Mel and Selena are two examples of clients with mental health conditions who have changed their lives by finding good work with the right employer.
- After 10 years of searching for work, Mel finally landed his first job. One of the biggest barriers he faced was a lack of work experience. Read how non-traditional recruitment methods helped Mel land his first job.
- From living with depression and anxiety to discovering a career she’s passionate about, read how Selena overcame barriers, built her confidence, and found meaningful employment.
To read a transcript of this video click here.
To read a transcript of this video click here.
Mental health support for employers
We work with employers to create more inclusive workplaces and support people living with mental health conditions to find, start and maintain meaningful work. We can also help with workplace adjustments, recruitment and ongoing support for employees and their teams.
Helpful resources for employers:
Support for different mental health experiences
Mental health can affect people in different ways, including how they feel about finding, starting or staying in work. Explore practical information and advice
for some common mental health experiences below.
Anxiety
Explore practical information about managing
anxiety while looking for work, preparing for
interviews and building confidence in the
workplace.
Depression
Learn more about finding and maintaining
work while living with depression, including
practical strategies and available
employment support.
Bipolar
Find information about navigating work with
bipolar disorder, including job search
considerations, workplace support and
maintaining sustainable employment.
Burnout
Explore practical advice for recovering
from burnout, rebuilding confidence and
considering your next steps toward
returning to work.
PTSD
Learn more about finding and maintaining work
while living with PTSD, including practical
considerations, workplace support and
employment options.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Learn more about Mental Health Awareness
Month, including workplace initiatives, practical
ways to build awareness and support better
mental health at work.
Get started with our mental health employment services
atWork Australia can help you or someone you know, living with a mental health condition find a job. To get started with our mental health employment services,
call us on 1300 080 856 or find your nearest office here.
