What do you do if you can't work due to mental health issues?

Healthy mental conditions allow for independence and a better overall quality of life, but there can be a common misconception that health struggles are rare or something to be ashamed of. In fact, one in five Americans experience a short- or long-term mental health issue at some point in their lives.

 Just like with physical health, mental health struggles should be taken seriously. And similar to physical health limitations, mental health can affect your ability to work. If you are unable to perform your work duties due to mental health struggles, it’s important to seek mental health support. Curious as to what mental health resources are available to residents in Audubon, Dallas and Guthrie counties? Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) can connect you to mental health support close to home.

What if mental health is not allowing me to work?

If mental health struggles are not allowing you to work, it’s critical to seek help both financially and for your mental health. Let’s consider the following categories that you can begin to address.

Financial assistance

If you find yourself saying, “I can’t work because of my mental health,” or you are no longer employed, financial assistance is a must. You can apply to the following programs online here.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI provides cash assistance for those who have little or no income. Individuals must apply to this program, and the amount you receive per month depends on your income, living arrangements, property and materials you own, and other factors.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Similar to SSI, SSDI provides monthly income to people who become disabled by a physical or mental health condition before retirement age. In fact, more than 1 in 3 people who receive SSDI do so because of a mental health condition.

HICS also can provide information on financial resources for Iowans in Audubon, Dallas or Guthrie counties, whether it be financial help to seek mental health support, connecting you to another local program or offering a one-time payment for necessities like heating or cooling, for example.

Mental health support

We can’t stress enough how important it is to work with a mental health support organization like HICS to get connected to a therapy or combination of therapies that help address mental health needs. Many people who encounter a short-term mental health struggle find that they are able to address their issues with a mental health provider, and those who live with a long-term mental health condition find coping strategies through a plan, whether it be talk therapy, medication or any other combination treatment. HICS can help central Iowans find out what mental health resources are available.

Vocational training and supported employment

If you find you are not able to work due to a mental health condition, short- or long-term, connect with a social service provider that can address your needs. Having a fulfilling job that you are able to perform can do wonders to improve mental health. Vocational training through a local social service may be open up options for you to think of a career path you never previously considered.

Additionally, an organization like HICS can make you aware of various disability supports available to you. HICS also works with employers in central Iowa to teach them about the benefits of having a diverse workforce and train them on how to support employees with mental health and disability needs.

What happens if you can’t work due to anxiety?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health struggles Americans experience, and employees are well within their rights to ask about workplace accommodations for depression and anxiety. If you experience a mental health struggle, remember that you are not a burden and you are not alone. Everyone goes through challenging periods in their life, and more than 40 million U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder.

Some may even have anxiety worrying about common examples of mental health discrimination at work. Let’s address some potential issues and how to address them in the workplace.

• A person is penalized for missing work due to their mental health.
• A request for extended leave to recover from a personal loss or trauma and manage mental health concerns is denied or becomes part of a case to be terminating an employee with mental health issues.
• An employer doesn’t make reasonable accommodations for an employee’s mental health, such as not allowing them to have a modified break schedule or work from home even if the job could be done remotely.

So how can you address these concerns? That’s why it’s so important to connect with a mental health provider who can advocate for you with your employer and share information — if you authorize it — about your treatment plan with an employer. You can also request a meeting with your human resources department or a labor union to talk about your options and potential compromises. Knowing what mental health resources are available is the first step to understanding what your options are.

Can you be denied a job because of mental illness?

There is no law that requires you to share personal physical or mental health information with an employer if you don’t choose to do so. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) laws also restrict the ways in which an employer can share information with others about your personal health.

If an employer knows about your mental health condition, they must make reasonable accommodations for you. However, employers do not have to make accommodations for disabilities they are not informed about.

Can you work in mental health with a mental illness?

As we know, there are many short- and long-term mental health conditions that range in severity. There is no reason to count out a career in the mental health sector if you are struggling with your own mental health! In fact, you may have a unique inside perspective that can be especially beneficial.

However, acknowledgment and treatment of your mental health condition is perhaps more important. If you are working with others experiencing mental health conditions and also struggling with your own mental health, you may be more affected by workplace stress and need to ensure you provide the proper mental health support. Additionally, substance use is often a byproduct of mental health struggles, which can affect job performance.

Be diligent about seeking treatment for short- or long-term mental health struggles.