Mentally ill persons within the Social Code II : between the desire to work and the reality of counselling

Abstract

"Introduction: The health promoting effect of work has long been known in psychiatry. Nevertheless, there are many persons with psychiatric disorders in Germany, who have no access to vocational participation, despite the existence of various, supportive possibilities. The project, 'Mentally Ill Persons within the (German) Social Code II' in this context aims at gathering information about the individual problem-situation of those affected on one hand and on the institutional dealings on the other hand.<br> Method: Case studies in eight jobcentres (qualitative interviews and document analysis).<br> Results: The case studies show that the individual's desire for adequate employment is only marginally reflected in the practice of counselling and job placement. Reasons for this situation are a lack of adequate jobs and labour market schemes to meet the needs of this group. Counselling in jobcentres does not sufficiently appreciate the desire of the 'customers' to be employed and thus lead a more independent life. Even well-intentioned placement officers and case managers follow a set sequence (get well first, then work) rather than performing work related activities as part of the healing process.<br> Conclusions: A view of work and health that understands work as an integral part of health improvement would be more suitable. A dichotomous concept that only makes a distinction between 'healthy' and 'sick' is not helpful. Following the recovery approach, work related measures can be considered even when mentally ill unemployed people are not 'healed' and perhaps never will be." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Gühne, U., Riedel-Heller, S. & Kupka, P. (2017): Psychisch Kranke im SGB II. Zwischen Arbeitswunsch und Beratungswirklichkeit. In: Arbeitsmedizin, Sozialmedizin, Umweltmedizin, Vol. 52, No. 8, p. 600-604. DOI:10.17147/ASU.2017-08-01-01