Towards a working life? Experiences in a rehabilitation process for people with psychiatric disabilities

The aim of this study was to reveal the meaning some people with psychiatric disabilities assigned to important personal experiences in relation to an ongoing rehabilitation process. The data comprises open-ended interviews of eight participants. A hermeneutic approach together with a content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results indicated the importance of not relying on simplified prognoses early in a rehabilitation process when assessing rehabilitation measures and/or work capacity. The phenomenon of rehabilitation seemed to be very complex, diverse, and changed over time depending on different circumstances that arose during the rehabilitation process. These circumstances arose on individual, contextual as well as structural levels and all had an impact on the outcomes. The results also indicated that it seemed to be possible to achieve success, change attitudes, and create a positive image of a future related to a working life if the support was perceived as relevant and the activities undertaken were perceived as contributing to achievement of the individual's goals. Regardless of which path the informants later chose these factors were seen to support an empowerment process and active participation in their own rehabilitation.