When mental health affects ability to work

While for many people a 40-hour work week is considered normal, for others it can be an enormous challenge. Individuals living with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or identity-related struggles often find themselves in a constant battle to cope with workplace demands and society’s expectations. Although these conditions are often invisible to others, their effects can be profound and can directly impact a person’s ability to work consistently and sustainably.

Depression, for example, is far more than simply feeling sad. It can lead to intense fatigue, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and a loss of motivation.

A person experiencing a depressive episode may find it difficult even to get out of bed in the morning, let alone carry out professional responsibilities for eight hours a day. Too often, these individuals are judged as lazy or unmotivated when, in reality, they are struggling with a serious medical condition.

Bipolar disorder can create cycles of extreme mood changes. During periods of mania or hypomania, a person may feel capable of achieving anything, starting new jobs, or taking on significant responsibilities. However, when a depressive episode follows, that same individual may lose the ability to maintain the same pace. This instability can result in jobs that began with great enthusiasm ending in serious difficulties or even job loss.

Anxiety can also be a powerful obstacle. For some people, every phone call, meeting, or workplace decision becomes a source of overwhelming stress. Constant worries about making mistakes or being judged can lead to mental exhaustion. This psychological burden is often misunderstood by those who have never experienced it firsthand.

When these conditions are combined with challenges related to personal identity, the burden can become even heavier. People who are still trying to understand themselves or who feel disconnected from society because of who they are may experience higher levels of stress, isolation and confusion. Sometimes, the internal struggle becomes so intense that all of a person’s mental energy is spent trying to make sense of themselves, leaving little capacity to cope with work responsibilities.

As a result, many individuals begin employment with hope and determination but eventually find themselves unable to meet expectations. Some leave voluntarily, while others are viewed as unsuitable for their roles. There are also cases where a person secures employment but, even before officially starting or during the early stages of the job, their mental health challenges make it difficult to function consistently and effectively.

In Malta, as in many other countries, progress has been made in the field of mental health. There are professionals, support services and schemes designed to help people with mental health difficulties enter or remain in the workforce.

These are important and positive developments. Awareness has grown compared to previous generations and there is greater recognition that mental health conditions are real and deserve the same respect and attention as physical illnesses.

Greater empathy, education and flexibility are needed in the workplace and our homes- Ivan Bartolo

However, the question remains: Is this enough?

For many people, the answer is no. Although support services exist, they are not always accessible at the right time or in the form needed. Some individuals still face long waiting lists, financial barriers, or a lack of specialised services. Others are reluctant to seek help because of the stigma that continues to surround mental illness.

Furthermore, workplace culture is often still built around the assumption that everyone should be able to work the same number of hours and maintain the same pace. This expectation fails to recognise the reality of people living with chronic mental health conditions or fluctuating episodes that vary over time. For these individuals, flexible arrangements, part-time work, remote working opportunities, or other accommodations can make a significant difference.

Another important question is whether there is enough education within our homes and families about these conditions. While public awareness has improved, many families still do not fully understand what depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety really involve. Some parents or relatives may interpret symptoms as a lack of discipline, effort, or commitment. This can leave the individual feeling even more isolated and less willing to speak openly about what they are experiencing.

Education should begin at an early age. Children should learn that mental health is an essential part of overall health and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. At the same time, families should be given more tools and resources to understand how they can support loved ones without judgement or excessive pressure.

It is also important to recognise that not everyone will be capable of working 40 hours a week at every stage of life. Success should not be measured solely by the number of hours worked or by productivity. For someone living with severe mental health challenges, maintaining a part-time job or consistently attending work may represent a significant achievement in itself.

As a society, we need to move beyond the idea that everyone should function in the same way. Greater empathy, education and flexibility are needed both in the workplace and within our homes. Professional support and existing schemes are valuable but they cannot solve every problem on their own. Change must also come from the way we understand and treat those facing these challenges.

Ultimately, the question is not whether these individuals want to work. Many of them want to be independent, productive and active members of society.

The real question is whether society is providing the conditions, understanding and support necessary for them to do so with dignity and according to their abilities. This is a challenge that still requires greater discussion, investment and commitment from all sectors of society.

Ivan Bartolo is Shadow Minister for Social Policy and the Family.