Work and MH

[Scutterbug]

Does anybody work from home with a MH issue and what do you do?

I need to find a job but my MH issues mean I rarely leave the house. I wouldn’t be able to go out to work or attend an in person interview. But we desperately need the money.

I’ve been in and out of hospital multiple times over the last few years under section for psychosis too. So I need something part time whilst I’m still trialling medications. My last crisis was September.

Could you ask your MH team about this IPS scheme?

https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/case-studies/severe-mental-illness-smi-case-studies/individual-placement-and-support-offers-route-to-employment-for-people-with-severe-mental-health-conditions/

Thank you that looks interesting but it does seem to be looking for external job opportunities rather than home based. I’ll ask my care coordinator if there is a scheme for our area.

https://www.sensee.co.uk/index.html

fully remote call centre jobs, you just need to have the tech at home already.

I haven’t worked for them, but worked with them to train their staff. They all seemed to enjoy the work and like the company.

Yes, unfortunately I think you are more likely to find something through a scheme like this than through normal job seeking avenues because employers will usually not want to risk giving a chance to someone with severe MH issues especially if they can’t at least interview you face-to-face.
My employer does allow me to WFH as I have serious MH issues but they wouldn’t have recruited me originally on that basis.
It might be worth giving MIND a call as well to see if they can suggest any other charities which could help with job opportunities.
Good luck, I hope you can find something suitable xx

Thank you. It is just another uphill battle I think!

Thank you, that looks really interesting. It says you need a landline though and we don’t have one? I’ll need to enquire whether work is possible without one.

Your care coordinator should be able to refer you for specialist employment support - they can be great teams who get to know you, find out your needs and help you find work that suits you, including talking to the employer about reasonable adjustments and advocating for you / reducing stigma in employers towards mental health issues.

The government is planning to get people off sickness benefit too so maybe they will be putting some help in place for that.

Can you work for a very small local company, where there are just a few employees, to help ease you back into the workplace?

Online tutoring?
Call centre work?
Proof reading?

What's your work background?

Background in youth work and safeguarding and advocacy, None of which are possible online.
I couldn’t manage work outside the home, I even panic taking rubbish out to the bins.

It is so sad that you have resigned yourself to a life where you can’t leave the house. Aren’t your MH team looking at ways to help you tackle those issues?

@Scutterbug that sounds horrific, not being able to take the bins out. I think maybe your MH team needs to work with you, to try and address the cause/ source of panic?

Yes they are looking psychological interventions as medications don’t seem to be working (although they work on my psychosis which is good!).
Unfortunately there is a long waiting list.
We really need the money.

Hope you don’t have to wait too long for the psychological help.

Sorry to hear you are unwell. Are you under the home treatment team? They may be able to fast track psychological support for you.

i totally understand your need for money but also think your best chance is getting back to work when you are well enough. Are you able to claim PIP? Laborious but it sounds like you would meet the threshold.

Yes I claim PIP.

I am under the CMHT and have a care coordinator.