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Autumn 2009 | Vol 13 No 1

Note from the Editor

It’s age-old wisdom that work is key to community connection, self-confidence and independence. The ancient Roman physician Galen declared that “Employment is nature’s best physician and is essential to human happiness.” That was 172 AD. Fast forward to July 2009, where Canadian unemployment rates reached almost nine per cent, part of a global trend in unemployment resulting from the economic slump.

This is a worrisome trend for mental health and addiction services because unemployment and financial uncertainty are linked to the development of mental health issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to psychosis. Unemployment in people with mental health problems varies by country and diagnosis, but generally ranges from 20 to 90 per cent. These are alarming figures, given the fact that research shows that the vast majority of people with mental health and addiction issues can work and that work is a key factor in recovery.

From a general population perspective, the Mental Health Commission of Canada has been making headway, deeming workplace mental health a priority because of the inordinate costs of mental illness to the Canadian workplace and because of the centrality of employment and income to the quality of life of people with mental illness and addiction.

From a clinical perspective, the question now being asked by mental health and addiction professionals is not “Can clients work?” but rather, “What supports do they need to succeed at work?” Many of the stories in this issue of CrossCurrents try to answer this question. Anne Ptasznik writes about her experience meeting with staff and clients of the Employment Support and Development team at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Helen Buttery introduces us to two entrepreneurs and the program that helped them find a perfect fit in self-employment. Astrid Van Den Broek examines how unique employment services are targeting the needs of youth with mental health and addiction issues. The Q&A discusses return to work for people recovering from addiction.

We also meet a young man to whom we assigned the task of keeping a journal about his job search upon finishing a redirection through education program. And we share the inspiring story of Paulette Walker, Canada’s first drug court program peer support worker.

We wrap up the issue with the Last Word column, where Ruth-Anne Craig, executive director of the Manitoba division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, responds to Dr. Richard Warner’s column in the summer issue, which argues that disability programs are a disincentive to employment.

Please check out CrossCurrents on the web. We are launching an interactive online edition, alongside CAMH’s new knowledge exchange portal for mental health and addiction professionals. We will be rolling out the sites in the coming months. Please visit us at www.CAMHcrosscurrents.net and http://knowledgex.CAMH.net. We encourage you to contribute to the sites and send us your ideas about how we can make them better.

Hema Zbogar
tel 416 595-6714
hema_zbogar@camh.net