When asked to consider their comfort level in discussing their own mental health with friends, family, and employers, respondents reported being mostly uncomfortable. Fifty-six percent say they’d be uncomfortable talking to friends and family about it, and 84 percent say they’d be uncomfortable talking to their employer. Although we would all hope that those closest to us would be kind about our condition, the fact that 26 percent of adults living in homeless shelters have a history of mental illness seems to indicate that not everyone has the support they need.
When it comes to employment, those struggling with mental illness should be aware that they have rights: The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of mental illness provided that the employee is able to perform essential functions. It also entitles them to “reasonable accommodations” to aid them in their work.