Work, employment, and mental illness: expanding the domain of Canadian social work

A robust body of literature shows that people who experience mental illness perceive work as central to their recovery (Killeen & O'Day, 2004; Krupa, 2004; Provencher, Gregg, Mead, & Mueser, 2002). They experience many benefits from working, including increased self-esteem, decreased social isolation, and improved quality of life (Salyers, Becker, Drake, Torrey, & Wyzik, 2004), as well as financial gains, personal growth, and improved mental health (Marwaha & Johnson, 2004). Surveys have shown that aspirations to gain employment are widespread, even among those who have lost touch with the labor market over an extended period (Secker & Membrey, 2003).