[SarahSweden]

I´m in an employment program for people who are unemployed and have some kind of physical or mental disability. I´m diagnosed with depression and anxiety since some years ago.

I see a social worker within this program and there are also career coaches and several other people to help people find jobs and/or activities.

The problem is that those people don´t have the knowledge about mental health conditions more than the average person does and as I haven´t got the treatment I need, I react to things they perhaps see as odd or "unneccesary". That is, I sometimes get disappointed or feel they don´t understand me.

The whole situation makes me feel I´m perhaps overreacting and my social worker thinks like it´s just to "think differently" or "act differently". She doesn´t understand what my feelings and behavior come from and she gives me tips about how to think and questions why I react to certain things.

I can´t change social workers and the problem is the same whomever I see in this unemployment program as they´re not there for giving treatment but to search for jobs. But I have my mental health condition and it follows me everywhere, of course.

Does anyone have any support or thoughts on this?

[lizardlady]

That sounds incredibly frustrating. Yes, we can learn to change our thinking and actions but we need help learning how to do that. Do you have a pdoc or therapist? They can help. Or is there a support group in your area? It can be helpful to talk with others who face the same struggles.

[splitimage]

it's been my experience that mental health care and job search support are two distinct entities and they really don't overlap.

A number of years ago I did a job search program for people with disabilities and the program focused exclusively on job search skills - no support for anyone's disability was provided beyond guidance on our legal rights on how to request necessary accommodations in the workplace. But I was there for help finding a job - not mental health support. I get my mental health support elsewhere


Yes it can be frustrating when counsellors don't get mental health, but in the context of a job search I don't necessarily expect them to get it. I have my psychiatrist, addictions Dr., and support groups to support my mental health recovery.

[unaluna]

splitimage. I suppose you dont want to brag, but you have been successful at splitting those 2 areas and succeeding separately at each, as shown in your postings here over the past several years. You are a role model for me and im sure for others, as you have gone thru a career change, making yourself very useful to others with your strength of character and/or just being persistent, showing us it can be done.

[divine1966]

I don’t think that they don't understand mental health challenges. The reason they aren’t treating you isn’t lack of knowledge, they just aren’t there to treat you. They just aren’t hired to treat anyone. Their job is more of a vocational assistance. If you want treatment, employment agencies or vocational disability service isn’t the place for it. I’d speak to a doctor about getting treatment.

I am very familiar with vocational disability services in my state (professionally-part of what I do for a living and family members experience) and they provide ton of help to people with disabilities: education, re-education, employment and so on. They do not provide treatment. Not because they lack knowledge but because it’s not their job description. I understand if it’s different in Sweden but that’s how it’s here.

What does your doctor suggest re treatment? And is your goal to find employment?

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by unaluna

splitimage. I suppose you dont want to brag, but you have been successful at splitting those 2 areas and succeeding separately at each, as shown in your postings here over the past several years. You are a role model for me and im sure for others, as you have gone thru a career change, making yourself very useful to others with your strength of character and/or just being persistent, showing us it can be done.

Una, I agree 1000%!

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Una, I agree 1000%!

Agree with you both. Such an inspiration to others

Originally Posted by SarahSweden

I´m in an employment program for people who are unemployed and have some kind of physical or mental disability. I´m diagnosed with depression and anxiety since some years ago.

I see a social worker within this program and there are also career coaches and several other people to help people find jobs and/or activities.

The problem is that those people don´t have the knowledge about mental health conditions more than the average person does and as I haven´t got the treatment I need, I react to things they perhaps see as odd or "unneccesary". That is, I sometimes get disappointed or feel they don´t understand me.

The whole situation makes me feel I´m perhaps overreacting and my social worker thinks like it´s just to "think differently" or "act differently". She doesn´t understand what my feelings and behavior come from and she gives me tips about how to think and questions why I react to certain things.

I can´t change social workers and the problem is the same whomever I see in this unemployment program as they´re not there for giving treatment but to search for jobs. But I have my mental health condition and it follows me everywhere, of course.

Does anyone have any support or thoughts on this?

Reminds me of an image I baked earlier:
It was for a write up I did on Forced Therapy. If you're not working, there must be something wrong with you:

[farazn2202]

My social worker's response to my mental health condition leaves me feeling uncomfortable and misunderstood. It's disheartening when someone fails to empathize with my reactions, which are influenced by my condition. Support and understanding are essential in my journey toward healing, and I hope to find a professional who can provide that.

[TheGal]

A friend told me that in any healthcare professional group, including social workers and therapists, you're going to find 20% top-notch, 60% average, and 20% that suck.

I'm sorry that your social worker isn't taking into account your mood.... I think to take a moment to acknowledge your depression and anxiety and to have empathy goes a long way in helping a person adjust to a new reality such as trying to get a job.

If you're feeling hurt and it's blocking you from working with her effectively, there might be a place for a conversation.

Or get that empathy and acknowledgement elsewhere.


Your social worker may not be personally equipped to offer you that, though, due to training (or lack thereof), personality, and/or mandate. Keep in mind that she might face systemic challenges in trying to get as many people back to work as possible. In other words, her bosses or management may be keeping statistics and she doesn't have the time to offer psychological counselling in the context of job hunting.

I hope you feel better and can find a job that makes you happy.

Btw, have you ever done the Myers-Briggs or Jung personality test that can help you identify which jobs or even relationships make you happy?

Also, you may want to list your core values to make sure you find a company and friends even that fit with you as a person.

[Fuzzybear]

((( hugs )))