Mental illness is the biggest obstacle

Mental illness is the biggest obstacle to the placement of the long-term unemployed

08/11/2014

Many long-term unemployed people are difficult or impossible to get into the labor market. The biggest barrier seems to be mental illness. These are also often the cause of unemployment.

Mental illness often causes unemployment
According to a news agency AFP, mental illness is the biggest barrier to finding long-term unemployed people. According to this, a pilot project in Leipzig has shown that around two-thirds of the older long-term unemployed suffer from mental illnesses that have not yet been recognized or not optimally treated. This was announced by the foundation Deutsche Depression Aid on Friday in Leipzig. In addition, these diseases are often an important cause of unemployment and prevented the re-entry into the labor market.

Difficult way back to work
„Many believe that the long-term unemployed are mentally ill due to unemployment. Often there is a reverse relationship: depression and other mental illnesses lead to unemployment and make it difficult to get back to work“, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hegerl, project manager and chairman of the German Depression Aid Foundation, in a press release. Also, the sick leave due to mental illness have recently increased significantly in various federal states.

Model project in Leipzig
As part of the Leipzig model project „Psychosocial coaching“ Among other things, placement specialists in the job centers are being trained by employees of the project to identify signs of mental illness. Then, those affected will take part voluntarily „Psychosocial coaching“ offered. There, customers will receive information about their illness and advice on treatment options. There is also the opportunity to participate in group programs, such as stress reduction or relaxation exercises. (Ad)

Image: Lucie Gerhardt