Is work the best therapy?

[Deshabille]

I'm wondering how many of us work. I've not been in work for many years and can't imagine ever being looked at as a valuable employee but IDS knows better it seems. I am envious of people who do work and wonder how they do it with MH issues, I have a very bad work record.

I'm bored stupid most of the time and deal with my depression by withdrawal and sleeping.

How do you cope with working and MH issues and do you find work therapeutic?

I've not been in work for 19 years and I wouldn't find it at all therapeutic to be pushed into a work situation. I have trouble getting out of bed some days or committing to activities that take place just once a month, so having to do that every day would not be realistic for me. I struggle with social contact (have other issues as well as MH problems) and I wouldn't benefit from socialising at work, it would simply add to more stress for me.

I do a lot of the withdrawal and sleeping thing too, but I do have interests which hold my attention when I'm able - drop in classes and ad hoc voluntary work. That gives me a sense of purpose that people claim I'd find in work, but in a less demanding environment so it suits me better. It's not an issue if I don't turn up one day due to not being able to cope - obviously that would not be the case if it was a paid job and I'd end up feeling more pressured due to the consequences.

The only thing that work would have helped with is increasing my income so I can afford to do more/not feel worried about bills, but since I've managed to get benefits/housing advice and get all my entitlements I am managing pretty well on my income so that's no longer a motivation.

It's a big worry for me, starting work in January but am worried about how I'll cope and DH doesn't think I will.

Firstly, there is a difference between "therapy" and "therapeutic activity". I know i'm being pedantic but I bet IDS doesn't know or care the difference.

Work could be a therapeutic activity, but it depends on the work, colleagues etc. And the wider environment - eg. jobs market (employers market), welfare rules and so on. Personally I think very few jobs available to those who have been off work for some time are suitable. It's all high pressure/fast paced and no autonomy, plus a really boring job to start with. Actually it's been shown that going into low quality jobs worsens mental health, a part of the research they don't like to mention!

As for getting bored... I don't get bored, I have hobbies (crafts etc) plus it takes time just managing my mental health, and doing the 'ordinary' things like shopping can take much more time and be more draining. Perhaps some kind of hobby would be a way to ease the boredom?

Although anecdotally I've noticed those who get bored not working are those who seem to have the least trouble returning to work - I guess relieveing the boredom is such a plus it helps their mental health. So that is a point in your favour!

I think for people like me who have low level depression then work can help. I'm self employed and sometimes I wish I had a job I had to go to as I lose routine and find it too easy to just give up for the day