mental health
Mental Illness at Work
WHY EMPLOYERS NEED A CHANGE OF MIND
By Ed Mantler
Unemployment rates for people living with mental health
challenges can be as high as 70 to 90 per cent, which disadvantages
employers as much as it discriminates against
people keen to be part of Canada’s economy. According to
the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), stigma and
prejudice, along with inadequate employment supports, are major
obstacles that prevent people with mental illnesses from getting –
and keeping – a job.
A variety of approaches can help put these individuals to work,
social enterprises being one. Ryan Knight says starting a social
enterprise saved his life. A young man living with ADHD and
depression, he received support from Rise Asset Development to
start and run his own business, which has proved to be crucial to
his recovery.
Knight’s mobile auto detailing and waterless eco-cleaning service,
Detailing Knights, is such a success that his firm has secured
THE RESEARCH SUGGESTS
THAT EMPLOYERS
EXPERIENCE A REDUCTION
IN COSTS WHEN THEY
EMPLOY PEOPLE LIVING
WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS.
lightwise/ 123RF Stock Photo
HRPROFESSIONALNOW.CA ❚ APRIL 2018 ❚ 29