Job in mental health if you have mental health issues

Sugar_Coated_Owl

Thank you

coin_operated_girl

I've suffered from depression in the past and I remember, as I was recovering, telling my counsellor that I wanted to work in MH and she said that those who have first hand experience with MH problems are often the best people to work in MH. I guess it makes sense as you are likely to be more understanding and more passionate about the job. I work in MH now and I feel like I've finally found something I am good at. I believe my own experiences have taught me to be more patient and understanding than I may have been had I not have suffered from depression. I personally did not mention it on my application form/during the interview but now I know the type of person my manager is I know that it wouldn't have been held against me if I did (I guess I was worried about the stigma attached to MH, although you would hope that there isn't any stigma from people who work in the field).

As a previous poster has mentioned, I would be careful about using the term 'recovering' as opposed to 'recovered' and make sure there isn't a danger of you relapsing. Working in MH can be quite stressful and, at times, upsetting so make sure you are confident you can deal with the tough emotional side that comes with the job.

Sugar_Coated_Owl

Thank you for posting coin operated girl :)You've definitely given me some hope.

Mrs_Arcanum

I know of a few of our Support Workers with acknowledged MH diagnoses. It is more a question of whoever you support complimenting each other rather than adding to anyone's MH stress.

Savvy_Sue

I'd just add that in some cases you may find that there's a time limit between your last 'episode' / 'relapse' / 'incident' before you are allowed to either volunteer or work in this field - for all the reasons Marybelle gives.

I know where I work, where many of our clients are addicts, we insist on staff and volunteers being two years 'clean'. It is stressful, and there is a risk of being dragged back in if you're not extremely resilient.

SueC_2

Sugar_Coated_Owl wrote: »

The job I am considering applying for is irrelevant to this thread. It's just a job in mental health.

I don't understand why you would think that. Surely the more information you give us, the more pertinent our replies will be?

Errata

Most mental health trusts welcome applications from people with personal experience of poor mental health. IIRC around 10% of staff at St Georges and Tooting trust have used/use MH services.

wantsajob

I understand some of the mental health charities are positive towards people with direct experience of mental health services, and to be fair, on the whole they're not that great.

SueC_2

wantsajob wrote: »

I understand some of the mental health charities are positive towards people with direct experience of mental health services, and to be fair, on the whole they're not that great.

Who aren't? The mental health charities, or the people with direct experience of mental heath services?

eileanlady

Frankly I am amazed. As someone who has been treated for illness in this area I want qualifications and objectivity from workers employed to aid me. The last thing I would want is some amateur with empathy. I would not expect the coal man to set my leg or the nurse to do open heart surgery. What are these jobs in mental health that require no qualifications?