SANE Australia urging employers to think about better support for staff in workplace.

SANE Australia, a national mental health charity, is urging employers to think about how they can better support their staff at work.

SANE executive director Barbara Hocking said mental illness was common, with one in five Australians affected each year.

“We know that a mentally healthy workplace, that has positive and supportive attitudes to mental illness, is most important in finding and keeping a job.” she said.

“So it’s of great concern to learn that most Australians with a mental illness receive little support or understanding in the workplace.

“It’s also worrying to find out that many people with a mental illness don’t believe their manager has an understanding of mental illness.”

Respondents to a recent SANE Australia survey of working life and mental illness recommended (95 per cent) that employers and managers receive education on mental illness, and how to manage its effects in the workplace... more

13th International Menatl Health Conference - "Positive Change – Investing in Mental Health"

Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Association

Internet a Vital Connection for People with Mental Illness - Report

Many people with a mental illness are turning to the internet and social media to manage their lives, overcome isolation and stay connected, according to new research by the national mental health charity SANE Australia.

The research surveyed 605 respondents via an anonymous online survey, and found that people with a mental illness are enthusiastic users of the internet and social media to manage their lives and make social connections.

It also found that 93 per cent of the respondents were confident using the internet, and that 95.8 per cent had access to the internet at home.

Executive director of SANE Barbara Hocking said that the majority of people with mental illness in the survey use the internet to manage their finances, shop and engage with government agencies such as Centrelink.

“Importantly, the majority (72.7 per cent) told us that the internet made it easier to maintain existing relationships and to make new ones,” Hocking said...read the full story here