By Laura Bijnsdorp
~ Beneficial and possible ~
Suzanne Beeldsnijder is a mentor at Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and works in the Faraja Center. The centre is a day treatment facility for adults; and offers guidance, support and empowerment to mental illness clients and their families.
The word “Faraja” is a Swahili word meaning “comfort” and “consolation.” Its objective is to guide and motivate clients with psychiatric illness to achieve the self-confidence and skills needed to actively participate in our society regardless of personal challenges. Clients come in on weekdays from 8:00am to 2:30pm.
Suzanne: “We do many activities during those hours at the centre: therapy, computer skills, arts and crafts, soap and candle production, sports, home economics, life skills, job training, counselling, psycho-education, mentorship, support and transportation. The activities that clients do depend on their own personal care plan that is developed based on their mental health needs and personal life goals.”
One of these life goals for many is to return to work or to find a new job. Some MHF clients either had to stop working due to their illness, or in some cases are discriminated against and let go. It is a misconception that persons dealing with mental illness cannot be productive or do a good job. They can! At the Faraja centre, they learn how to cope with their illness in a work environment.
Working during treatment can be very beneficial to the recovery of a patient. Suzanne explains: “Although clients of course encounter setbacks on the road to recovery, working can bring a sense of purpose. Meaningful activity expands the sense of self-worth of a person, adds to their skills, and helps people accomplish their personal goals and feel good about themselves. Meaningful activity, which can include school, volunteer work, part-time work and full-time employment, also enables them to meet new people and make friends. Everyone wants the feeling of purpose in their life.”
But finding work for clients at MHF can be a challenge, especially because there is still a stigma surrounding mental health illnesses.
It is a myth that mental illnesses are rare. In fact, one in five persons on average will experience mental illness in any year. Meaning that likely yourself, a loved one, friend or co-worker will deal with mental illness at a certain point. This is a good thing to keep in mind, before judging those with mental health issues. It is also a myth that if someone looks or acts odd, it means staff members need to be concerned about the potential for violence. Contrary to media focus, individuals with mental illness are no more prone to violence than the general public, and in fact, are more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators.
Luckily, a few organizations and businesses have been fighting these myths and the stigma by working together with MHF to support clients and employees facing mental illness. One such place is the St. Maarten zoo.
Suzanne: “About three years ago, we approached the St. Maarten zoo to ask if they had volunteer work for our clients. Although a bit hesitant at first, they allowed two of our clients to work with them doings tasks such as painting, woodwork, cleaning and feeding the animals. Now three years later, seven of our clients go there on a weekly basis to help out. They enjoy it, it is great for their treatment process, and the zoo has lots of extra hands. It is a win-win situation. We are grateful to them that they gave us a chance, and are hoping a lot more places will become more open to working with people dealing with mental illness.”
Is it often, though, that persons with mental illness can’t do a good job or be productive? Suzanne: “Persons dealing with mental illness can be just as intelligent and skilful as anyone else. If the mental illness is long-term, the person just needs to learn how to cope with their illness in everyday life, including a work-environment. This is something we help with at MHF. Employers hire people with mental illness for a number of reasons. The primary reason is the same reason that they hire anyone else in order to get the services of a good employee. Additionally, it is also a right thing to do. You are giving a person a chance at being productive, gaining confidence and being a functioning member of society.”
If any company or foundation has volunteer work or a job available, MHF would love to hear from you! Jobs such as cleaning, gardening, working with animals, odd-fixing jobs, simple construction work and administration are all tasks that the MHF clients would be motivated to help out with! MHF would like to give a big thanks to the St. Maarten zoo for their continued support, trust and opportunities.
Call 542-1677 ext. 514 or 516 for more information.
