Lack of compassion for mentally ill

THERE is a lack of compassion in the workforce for people suffering from a mental illness, a federal parliamentary inquiry has heard.

The standing committee on education and employment is investigating how to assist the mentally ill overcome barriers to their education, training and employment.

At hearings in Sydney today, Black Dog Institute consultant psychiatrist Dr Caryl Barnes said people should be able to return to work in a limited capacity.

"There's a lack of compassion (in the workforce) about what it is like to have a mental illness," she said.

Read the full story at the Australian