Work and Recovery

In my work as a service provider in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation field in a number of areas, I’ve been fortunate to see the positive impact of PsyR services on the recovery process. Services that help a person in recovery return to living in the community after sometimes spending years in a hospital is both a rewarding and inspiring experience for a service provider. However, in my experience, of all the rehabilitation services, facilitating the return to work has always appeared to have the greatest impact on the recovery process. In a matter of a few months, I’ve seen individuals literally blossom before my eyes! While providing supported employment services, one gentleman comes to mind that was particularly inspirational. I recalled meeting this job seeker for the first time and remember that he appeared a bit disheveled and unsure of himself. Nonetheless, there was a positive energy and determination to get back to work from day one. He worked tirelessly to improve his interviewing skills and update his résumé. He also starting going on job interviews although at first he was really nervous. After about four months he landed his first job in more than five years, and I will never forget the new bounce in his step and the new confidence he exuded. Within a year, he won employee of the month at his job! Returning to work really does wonders for the recovery process