A short work-directed rehabilitation to promote work capacity while depressed and anxious: a qualitative study of workers’ experiences

Abstract

Purpose

Most people with common mental disorders are working despite symptoms. This study explores individuals’ experiences of a work-directed rehabilitation, provided by occupational therapists and physiotherapists, aiming to promote work capacity in persons with common mental disorders.

Methods

A qualitative content analysis was used, and 11 women and 8 men with depression or anxiety disorder were interviewed. They were 25–66 years old, had different occupations and were working full or part-time.

Results

The participants experienced a process interpreted as Increasing belief in one’s capacity through supported reflection and practice. This theme reflects the shifting between “reflecting” and “doing” through rehabilitation and the growing hope for change. The increasing belief in one’s capacity was developed through three stages, comprised of the categories To be supported by a professional, To realise things about oneself and To try new strategies for change.

Conclusions

Strategies suggested by occupational therapists and physiotherapists have the potential to promote work capacity in people who are working while depressed and anxious. The results may deepen the understanding among rehabilitation professionals about the importance of a person-centred approach to people with common mental disorders, and to combine reflection and practical exercises to support the development of work-related strategies.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Work-directed rehabilitation provided by occupational therapists and/or physiotherapists is beneficial to people with common mental disorders.

• Rehabilitation professionals should focus on facilitating self-efficacy among people with common mental disorders.

• An individualised person-centred approach seems important in order to initiate change.

Keywords:

• Common mental disorders
• qualitative research
• work functioning
• intervention
• anxiety
• depression

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Local Research and Development Board for Gothenburg and South Bohuslan, Gothenburg, Sweden [248341].