Career Complications: Success for Seekers with Mental Illness (Part 1)

Thomas - who asked that his real name not be published - has lived with mental illness his entire life. "Some days are better than others," he calmly explains. The barriers Thomas has faced are not identifiable in his upbeat attitude or contagious smile. He is one of millions of Americans that cope daily with a disorder that affects both work and home lives. In a recent report by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it's projected that an "estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older, about one in four adults, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year."

A frustrating part to most social workers or those living with disorders like Thomas' can be the stigma. "Major mental disorders cost the nation at least $193 billion annually in lost earnings," according to the NIMH website (nimh.nih.gov). With companies facing higher demands for productivity, statistics often speak loud.

Many local organizations are actively involved in helping seekers facing mental illness to overcome stigmas and labels. One of these organizations is, Tasks Unlimited, based out of Minneapolis. Executive director for Tasks Unlimited, Karen Johnston, says: "We've seen extraordinary success from our program participants. Last year, program participants paid over $387,000 in taxes. Eighty-three percent of our training program participants were unemployed prior to joining Tasks Unlimited, but one year after graduating training, 88 percent were employed. We save the state money. Our clients work and pay taxes and are active members of their communities."

Another organization, heavily involved in empowering the families of those affected with mental illness is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (namihelps.org). NAMI offers 150 classes and 45 support groups to the community of those living with mental disorders and those that love and care for them.

Job seekers, just like Thomas, are overcoming obstacles and stigmas daily with the help of organizations like Tasks Unlimited and NAMI. If you are struggling with the weight of a mental illness and would like to talk to someone about a free screening or find local resources, go to mentalhealthmn.org.