mental health benefits of work & study

Whether you’re struggling to get out of bed or having a tough time in other ways, we’re here for you. You don’t have to wait until you feel ‘ready’ to get involved in work or study, we can support you wherever you’re at.

Studies have shown that young people experiencing mental health difficulties can often work if they are given the support they need. And although returning to work and study may have its challenges, research suggests that it is likely to improve your progress towards good mental health and wellbeing.

Download our fact sheet on the mental health benefits of work and study

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Mental health benefits of work and study

There are lots of reasons why we might stop or find it hard to start working or studying, such as:

• feeling inexperienced or unprepared to enter the workforce or to go to university or TAFE
• having had a negative experience in the past
• experiencing mental health difficulties or stress in your personal life
• having other responsibilities such as caring for someone else
• having a disability or physical health concerns
• COVID-19 impacts
• being unsure of where to start or what options are available
• time off school or lack of any career advice at school

Studies have shown that the longer you are not working or studying, the harder it can be to get back into it. Sometimes we face tough times or things happen that impact our confidence or ability to work or study. When this happens it's easy to withdraw or get stuck in a rut that feels hard to get out of. 

On the other hand, working or studying can play a really positive role in our lives. It can help you feel more confident, empowered and connected. It’s about building a routine, setting yourself goals and working to achieve them. Getting into work and study can be the best thing you do for your wellbeing.

Here are some examples of how work and study can help you to build your confidence and even give you a boost in other areas of life.  If you’re finding it hard to get into work or study remembering these things might help you stay motivated.

Keep learning new skills

Through working or studying, you can build an understanding of your strengths and values, learn skills to help you negotiate, problem solve and communicate. Work and study can also help you to develop skills that are useful in other areas of your life, such as managing stress, anxiety, and difficult situations.

What are reasonable adjustments or accommodations at work or study?

If you are having a tough time at work, or you have a physical injury, workplaces can often make 'adjustments' or 'accommodations' so that you are supported to continue to do your job well. These adjustments can be requested for temporary situations like injuries, illnesses, or challenging life circumstances, as well as for individuals with ongoing disabilities, mental illnesses, or chronic diseases that may affect their ability to work.

Employers have a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace so that an employee can do their job well. This responsibility is included in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which means it’s required by law. Adjustments should respond to the particular needs or concerns of the individual. Examples of adjustments could include making changes to the workplace, flexible start or finish times, options to work from home where possible, modifying equipment or providing extra training.

Deciding to approach your employer or study provider about reasonable adjustments can be hard, and you may feel worried about how they will respond. You could check out this resource on managing your mental health in the workplace for some pros and cons to disclosing, and more info on employer and employee responsibilities regarding adjustments.