For information on where to obtain a copy of the full Consensus Statement, see page 4. At the heart of the problem is the old belief that the severe impacts of mental illness limit the employment prospects of people with psychiatric disabilities. People generally believed that psychiatric symptomology was incompatible with employment. Although there is a growing professional consensus that this is not so, the belief is pervasive and affects not only potential employers but also clients themselves. The handicapping effects of stigma may often be more powerful than the disability itself.
Disclosure is an important corollary concern.
Many people who have psychiatric disabilities are reluctant to disclose this information, for fear of discrimination and stigma. In addition, disclosure can help reduce stigma and misconceptions about mental illness. Many workers, however, choose not to disclose, because any benefits must be weighed against the personal risks of stigma and the resulting indignity and discrimination. Consensus is that above all the issue of stigma must be addressed. Education and the dissemination of accurate information about psychiatric disabilities are the keys to challenging stigma.