World Mental Health Day: Working After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Every year since 1994, The World Health Organization has chosen a theme for its World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year’s theme focuses on mental health in the workplace. Some mesothelioma patients and their caregivers continue working while receiving treatment and living with mesothelioma.
This annual awareness day spotlights resources and education. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to reflect on how mental wellbeing impacts our lives and the relationship between mesothelioma and mental health.
Organizations and coworkers who are informed about mental health and offer support and flexibility can be a valuable resource. Conversely, poor working conditions, workplace discrimination or harassment negatively affect the mental health of employees and decrease productively and work satisfaction.
Insights From Our Mesothelioma Support Group
In our monthly mesothelioma support group, we hear many stories from mesothelioma patients who say their coworkers and managers are a source of support emotionally and practically. Other mesothelioma patients say they appreciate their employer’s flexibility to work around their cancer treatment schedule.
Sadly, there are some mesothelioma survivors whose employers are less supportive or unable to be flexible. This type of work environment adds more stress for mesothelioma survivors, caregivers and their loved ones who are already dealing with stress.
There are resources available for mesothelioma survivors, caregivers and their families. For example, in addition to our online support group, we have a private, dedicated Facebook support group as well. This group provides a 24/7 space for survivors, caregivers and family to share first-hand experiences, ask questions and find a safe space for support.
Employee Assistance Programs
A relatively unknown and underutilized mental health resource many employers offer their employees is the Employee Assistance Program. A limited number of free counseling sessions with a mental health professional is included in EAP benefits offered to employees.
These counseling sessions are separate from the mental health benefits included in employees’ health insurance. They aren’t subject to any copays or deductibles.
The sessions can address either work-related or personal issues on a short-term basis and are completely confidential. EAP benefits are also usually available to family members of the employed person.
Those living with a mesothelioma diagnosis as either a patient or a caregiver may benefit from using these free counseling sessions. They offer support as survivors and their loved ones navigate the normal emotional ups and downs that accompany mesothelioma.
To find out if your employer offers EAP benefits, reach out to your human resources or benefits department. Ask if they offer EAP counseling and how to access it.
This World Mental Health Day, please take a moment and take stock of your own mental health and check in on the ones you love to see how they’re doing. Mesothelioma is a challenging diagnosis, and it can be helpful to have all the physical and emotional support we can get.