Work and mental health
Work can be an important part of mental health recovery.
Our support is based on research and evidence about employment . This means the help you get is designed to be effective and support your overall wellbeing.
Being out of work for a long time can harm your mental health
If you're unemployed for a long time, you're more likely to experience mental health problems and feel a lower quality of life.
The quality of work matters
Work can support your recovery – but not all jobs are helpful.
Good jobs are stable and enjoyable, with supportive employers. They can improve your mental health and help you feel better.
But insecure employment, poor working conditions, or work that is stressful can make mental health worse.
Work that fits your lifestyle can help you stay well
You're more likely to benefit from work if it feels meaningful and matches your values, goals, and way of life.
Good work can support mental health for everyone
Research shows that good work can improve mental health for anyone who wants to work - no matter your diagnosis.
Work can support recovery for people with mental health problems like depression and anxiety, as well as for people with conditions such as psychosis or bipolar disorder.
How research guides our work
Our support is based on evidence about what helps people recover from mental health problems.
Making choices that are right for you
Work has the most benefit when you’re in control.
We’ll support you to make the choices that are right for you and your mental health.
This could be:
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finding work after spending time unemployed
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leaving a job that’s harming your health and wellbeing
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changing careers or finding a job that suits you better
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making a plan to stay well in your current job
Finding the right work
Everyone is different, and not every job is right for every person.
We’ll help you to find work that supports your mental health - not work that adds stress or makes things worse.
This means helping you find work that:
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is secure, stable, and supportive
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suits your skills and interests
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fits well with your goals, values, and way of life
You’ll never be pressured to take a job that doesn’t feel right for you.
Staying well in the workplace
Supportive, inclusive workplaces are more likely to help you stay well.
Often, small changes by your employer or getting the right support can make a big difference.
We can help you stay well at work by:
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helping your employer understand how to support you
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identifying reasonable adjustments your employer could make to help you
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working with your mental health team to manage things like medication or side effects that affect you at work
Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never contact your employer or share health information without your permission.
Dealing with unfair treatment and discrimination
If you’ve been treated unfairly by your employer, your mental health can suffer.
We can support you by:
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helping you understand your rights at work
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supporting you to leave your job and find work that suits you better
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speaking to your employer on your behalf to resolve issues
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helping you to get free legal advice – and take legal action against your employer if needed - through our partnership with University House Legal Advice Centre
You’re not alone – we're here to help you take the steps to protect your rights and wellbeing at work.
