The value of work for health and recovery
A person does not have to be 100% well to return to work. Working has been shown to have a therapeutic affect upon mental illness, and can contribute to recovery.
In the great majority of cases, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
The benefits include:
- helps to promote recovery and rehabilitation
- improved financial situation, and thus, greater control over one’s life and choices
- increases confidence and self-esteem
- creates a feeling of contribution and social inclusion
- a greater sense of identity and purpose
- greater independence
- improved general mental health
- the opportunity to make friends
The Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Physicians, of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians has produced a consensus statement on the health benefits of work.