Social Mixing and Disclosure

To what extent does information need to be given to employers? When?

• In the case of jobs, one needs to keep in mind that stigma about mental health still prevails in some societies. The answer to the question depends on an individual's situation, i.e., the seriousness of the mental illness, the person's work profile and functioning, their senior's awareness and belief system regarding mental illness, the type of help required, the person's sincerity and behaviour when they were symptom-free, etc. The decision to give information needs to be made carefully and when necessary.

• Information can be shared informally (after considering the abovementioned factors) when the symptom-free person has resumed work but needs some accommodative atmosphere to settle into a routine.

Should we take the loved one to social get-togethers?

When a patient is in the phase of coming out of mental illness, social gatherings can be an opportunity to know the comfort level of the patient to get along with people. A patient may be apprehensive due to the questions that people may ask. Before attending social gatherings, the carer may discuss answers to those probable questions with the patient. The carer or a close associate (support system member) can accompany the patient. With time and care, these events will boost confidence in the patient.

Do we need to disclose our condition when asked?

Stigma still exists in society. Therefore, there is no straightforward answer to this question. One must consider the following factors when responding:

• • Nature of the job for which the profile is asked

  • Is information legally required, if it is mandatory, or is it optional

  • Emergencies and stressfulness of the job

  • Does that organization or government regulations consider persons with mental illness inclusively?

  • Severity of mental illness

  • Number of prior relapses

  • Whether the person with mental illness has gained insight or not

  • Previous history of behaviour in employment