Don't be afraid of employing former patients with mental health issues, employers told

Employers are urged to have an open mind and be willing to hire former patients with mental health issues.

Mental Health Foundation founder Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Abdullah said the stigma attached to those with mental health issues has caused employers shunning them, resulting in the former patients being unable to enjoy normal lives.

“The stigma by employers is a problem for us, a perception that these people cannot hold any kind of jobs,” he said in an exclusive interview with Astro AWANI.

“Actually, these people can work. Before this, yes, they could not but we have shown that they can now,” he said.

He said out of the 100 people who have undergone training at the foundation, 30 per cent can now be independent.

“They are now contributing to their families,” he added.

He said patients with mental health issues who are not in the critical category, can still work but would require minimal supervision and medications.

The foundation, Dr Abdul Aziz said, emphasis is given to businesses as the former patients can self-employ.

He also planned to introduce photography as a module for future training.