Jobs for People who Self Harm
Self-harm is a common side effect of mental health difficulties. Many people self-harm in different ways for different reasons. The most common form of self-harm is the action of cutting yourself, done on various parts of the body but most commonly on the wrists.
People who self-harm aren’t always having suicidal thoughts. It can be a way of releasing stress or tension, a way of punishing themselves, or a way of coping. However, some people who self-harm may have suicidal thoughts or ideation. If this is happening to you right now, always check in with a friend or family member and tell them how you are feeling, contact your GP, and contact an emergency crisis line if you need to, such as Samaritans on 116 123.
Self-harming can impact a person’s life in many ways, including at work. It is important that self-harm is dealt with appropriately at work so that the person involved can stay safe and comfortable at all times.
How Can Self-Harm Impact Work?
Self-harming can have a significant impact on someone’s work life in a range of ways, including:
- Being too in too much pain to physically work
- Dealing with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and relevant mental health disorders
- Needing time to seek counselling and treatment from mental health professionals
- Feeling shame around the physical appearance of self-harm and wanting to socially withdraw
- Feeling tired and fatigued
All of these factors may impact someone’s ability to attend work on a regular basis and keep up with their work-related duties in the same way as their colleagues. Due to this, they may worry that they can even keep a job.
It is important to know that you are always entitled to support that helps you work, regardless of what you are going through. No one should feel excluded from work due to a disability or mental health condition. There are always ways in which employers and secondary sources of support can help you manage and maintain employment. So never think that self-harm is something that means you cannot get and keep the job you want.
Where to Look for Accessible Jobs
Working in a disability-friendly environment is the very best way to feel comfortable and supported at work. If you work somewhere that has an inclusive, accessible and understanding environment, it will be much easier to disclose what you are going through to your employer and subsequently get the support you need.
If you are currently in an environment where you don’t feel that you could openly talk about self-harm and how it impacts you, it may be time to look for a new job.
There are plenty of accessible, Disability-Confident employers who care about creating a safe and welcoming working environment for people with mental health conditions and concerns. You can find those employers in our directory on Careers with Disabilities.
You can also find plenty of accessible jobs on our disability-friendly job board.
Everyone deserves to be supported at work. Let us help you find the right place for you.
