Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949, and it continues to be a catalyst for fighting the stigma against mental illness and those affected by it. According to Mental Health America, nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. Approximately 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14. Whether in our own lives or in the lives of our loved ones, we have all been impacted by mental illness. It’s critical that we see mental health as important as our physical health for our health and well-being.
Employment Services for Individuals with Mental Illness
As a comprehensive human services agency, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) plays a role in supporting the mental well-being of Arizona communities. While any individual with a mental health diagnosis may be eligible for workforce services through the DES Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, VR has partnered with AHCCCS since 1992 to coordinate and provide services through an Interagency Service Agreement, with the goal of increasing the number of individuals with psychiatric disabilities who are successfully employed. This partnership is guided by the premise that meaningful work and economic self-sufficiency are an integral part of planning for all individuals who have a mental illness.
Studies have shown that employment significantly predicted more successful mental health outcomes among individuals with serious mental illness. The benefits include:
- Financial Stability: Employment provides individuals with mental health conditions with a regular income, helping to alleviate financial stress and increase financial stability. This can contribute to overall well-being and reduce anxiety. [Source: Mental Health America]
- Sense of Purpose and Structure: Having a job can give individuals a sense of purpose, daily structure, and routine, which can positively impact mental health. Employment provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment. [Source: Canadian Mental Health Association]
- Social Support and Connection: Workplaces can offer social interaction, support, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental well-being. It allows individuals to build relationships, develop support networks, and combat social isolation. [Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness]
Individuals with a mental health diagnosis interested in participating in Vocational Rehabilitation are encouraged to visit our website. Other individuals concerned about their mental health and are looking for an opportunity to engage with meaningful employment can take advantage of other available workforce services.
Behavioral Health Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The mental health and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities is also a top priority for the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). To this end, members who qualify are provided with robust behavioral health services that can help them to think, act and feel in healthy ways. Behavioral health services include treatment, rehabilitation and skills development, medical services, residential services and more. For a complete list of DDD services, please visit our website.
Watch this video to learn more about DDD Behavioral Health Services.
Additionally, the DDD Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA) has Behavioral Health Advocates on the team, who can help members and families acquire behavioral health services. The Support Coordinator can refer a member or family for advocacy, or the member or family can self refer by contacting the DDD Customer Service Center at (844) 770-9500, option 1, or email DDDcustomerservicecenter@azdes.gov.
Helping Families Relieve Stress
Many of DES’s additional programs and services can also be beneficial to one’s mental health. Whether providing well-deserved respite to family caregivers, or helping families reduce stress by meeting their basic needs, we are committed to supporting individuals as they work to obtain a better quality of life. Please take care of yourself and one another!
Angie Rodgers