Working through setbacks

Abstract

Purpose - The paper is a follow-up to a personal account published in this journal 12 months ago. The purpose of this paper is to highlight job retention through support measures during a period of crisis, contrasted with factors which undermine a quicker return to good mental health. Design/methodology/ approach - The paper is a personal account of difficulties experienced within and outside the workplace for someone who has been through long-term mental distress and is in her first, proper, paid job. The author reflects on becoming unwell while in full-time work with fears of dismissal by the employer as well as rejection by mental health services. Due to a supportive employer the author is still employed but is more aware of distress triggers. Findings - Helpful approaches which make job sustainment possible include the use of independent occupational health services, supported employment advice, phased returns, income maximisation through Disability Living Allowance and employer flexibility. The factors which inhibited this were miscommunications with statutory services and a widespread inability to recognise and understand distress expressed through self-harm. Research limitations/implications - Further research is needed into the practical responses from employers once an employee who has ongoing mental health issues discloses deterioration in symptoms. The context of a person's home life and treatment available means that work may not be the main stress. Originality/value - Published testimonies from service users and survivors on successes in sustaining employment remain few in number. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.