Mental illness can be greatly understood in the workplace. That is why you should try to find a work environment that let's you be yourself. We offer five suggestions to get you started. Mind your psychiatric symptoms and your career needn't be derailed. Mark Swartz, MBA, M.Ed. Monster.ca Career Coach

1. Employee MIND
& Job- YOUR
Seeker PSYCHIATRIC
Tip SYMPTOMS
Sandy Lovejoy
Monster Contributing Writer AT WORK

2. 1.
OVERVIEW

3. 1. OVERVIEW
If you have a psychiatric disability and hold down a job in a
workplace where most of the employees do not share this
disability, you have a variety of stressful situations to deal
with. Because of the stigma still attached to mental illness
(it’s slowly getting better), it is hard to decide whether to
share this personal info with coworkers and supervisors.
Whichever route you take, you may have fears about
acting or looking weird while you're working. Here are five
suggestions for alleviating some of the stress...

4. 2.
FIVE TIPS ON MANAGING
YOUR MENTAL ILLNESS
AT WORK

5. 2.1 MAKE SURE YOUR JOB MATCHES
YOUR COPING SKILLS
Be honest with yourself about your strengths and limitations.
Then align yourself with a work environment that meets your
needs in ways that don’t overly stress you.
For instance, if you hear voices often despite medication, and
listening to music is a good way to tune them out, working in an
office or a job site where you can have headphones or a radio
may be a good option.
If pressure to keep up with a hectic pace jangles your nerves, or a
condition like depression slows you down, stay away from the
restaurant industry, assembly-type jobs or publishing.

6. 2.2 RESPECT YOUR ABILITY TO CONCENTRATE
Many people like variety in their work; you wouldn’t be
alone in needing to shift your attention from a task.
Frequent but brief breaks may be an accommodation you
need to request from your employer.
If you do take breaks, find ways to do it that don't look too
obvious to other workers who don’t get this privilege.
Smoking breaks each hour will call attention to you. Talk with
your boss about how to change what you’re doing
legitimately.

7. 2.3 MAKE A FEW FRIENDS AT WORK
People who have been out of the workforce for periods of
psychiatric hospitalization or time in the mental health system,
often feel different and are fearful of socializing with people who
haven't shared their experiences and may not understand.
But staying apart from others only confirms that you are
different, in their eyes. Becoming friendly with a few people
doesn't mean you have to share your life story, but it can make
you feel like you have some allies and give you another reason to
enjoy coming to work.

8. 2.4 HAVE A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM
OUTSIDE OF WORK
Making sure that you have a support system outside the
workplace means you always have people to rely on.
This support group should include your doctor, therapist and
your employer’s confidential Employee Assistance Program (if
available), and your family.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to find or begin
a support group of other people with a psychiatric history who
are working “regular” jobs. You can discuss your fears, attempts
to cope and successes.

9. 2.5 STAY ON A REGIME THAT
HELPS KEEP YOU STABLE
If your medication works, don't take med vacations
without your doctor's support and until you are well-
situated in your job.
Sleep disorders are often part of the illness, but you need
to keep your wits about you, so ask for help if this is a
problem.
Eat healthy food on a regular basis. Avoid substances you
know will impair your functioning, and try to get regular
exercise -- one of the best stress releasers of all.

10. more on this topic:
Mind Your Psychiatric Symptoms At Work
more career advice:
http://career-advice.monster.ca
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