Employment challenges and support strategies for individuals with severe mental illness: a qualitative study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v26i1.99Keywords:
mental health support, vocational rehabilitation, workplace inclusion, severe mental illness, employment hurdlesAbstract
Background: Employment is a crucial aspect in the lives of individuals with SMI, yet they struggle to gain and maintain employment. Their work experience is often accompanied by workplace discrimination, lack of accommodations, and cognitive impairment that leads to social exclusion and financial insecurity.
Objectives: This project aims to identify the major barriers to employment for persons with SMI and examine best practices for employment maintenance and integration.
Methods: The study design adopted in the current research was qualitative and phenomenological. Exploratory using interviews with employers, vocational specialists, and the population with SMI diagnosis. Thematic analysis was used in identifying both the barriers to productivity and effective support mechanisms since all identified barriers belonged to the same domain of study.
Results: The findings indicate that the main challenges faced by the candidates are discrimination, stigma at the workplace, cognitive impairment, and lack of employer adjustments. Lack of flexibility in employment and poor communication at the workplace are some of the issues affecting persons with SMI that lead to high turnover. However, the study also explains how job sustainability is promoted by supported employment models such as the Individual Placement and Support (IPS). Flexible working hours, peer support, counseling services, and accommodation of the workplace environment are the key factors that should be adopted to enhance job satisfaction and productivity. This also helps in increasing diversity and reducing stigma since the employers are educated on mental health awareness.
Conclusion: The conclusion of the study also stresses the need to have strategies that support employment and mental health. There is evidence that employer involvement, organized vocational programs, and effective policy implementation can enhance the employment of people with SMI. Future research must focus on the career development of people with SMI in the long run, and the sustainability of the employment interventions.
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