Fairfax Community Network is a proud supporter of beyondblue: the national depression initiative, which works to raise awareness of depression and other mental health issues. Today's special blue front page highlights the work of beyondblue in the lead-up to Mental Health Awareness Week. For help and information, visit the beyondblue website here or call 1300224636.CIR CLING newspaper advertisements and waiting to be called into an interview is nerve-racking for most job seekers, but for people with a mental illness the search for employment causes even more anxiety.
Peter Gillies, diagnosed with schizophrenia in the 1970s, has always wanted to be a productive member of society. "I feel just as capable as anybody," he says. "[People with mental illness] just need a basic environment where you haven't got disruptions."
The 59-year-old West Footscray resident wants to work for the same reasons as most people.
"I was sick of being broke. I need to pay my bills," he said. "I must have looked for over a year [for a job]."
Mr Gillies has been attending mental illness support service TJs Day Program in Kingsville since the early '90s. Several years ago, the centre referred him to Westgate Community Initiatives Group's disability employment service, and he completed its computer courses and worked casually cleaning cars and offices.
Earlier this month he finally achieved his aim, starting a job as a part-time driver for a relative's delivery company. He said working helped him to stay well.
"It makes you feel confident, it gives you security."
There are still some challenges for Mr Gillies to overcome in the workplace.
"I am on tablets, which makes me slow, but they [colleagues] are very considerate and let me work at my own pace."
John Conway, co-ordinator of the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria employment program, said there was a perception that people with a mental illness were not able to contribute to the community.
"People can be very misinformed about mental illness. They can see it in a very negative way; you come across a lot of stigma."
Mr Conway said it was intimidating for people to enter or return to the workforce after a period of mental illness.
"Self-esteem can be a casualty for someone who has experienced mental illness," he said.
"There can be a lack of confidence, there can be a lack of motivation. But these are barriers for any job seekers."
He said people who had been unwell for many years often retrained or learned new skills.
"Because of their illness their qualifications may be outdated, or their qualifications may not be relevant any more."
Mr Conway said employers may need to be more patient and supportive of employees with a mental illness.
"There is an element of unpredictability in mental illness. It can come at any time. They may have paranoia, they may have lowered mood.
"They may not be comfortable mixing with their colleagues. The person can experience an element of isolation within the workplace."
Mr Conway believed people with a mental illness should not have to accept only volunteer positions.
"If they are working then we believe payment is the ideal. We believe they deserve the same opportunity as anybody else.
"These people are capable of wonderful stuff."
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