Vägen tillbaka, utbrändas berättelser om att komma tillbaka till arbetslivet

The purpose with this paper is to illuminate a strategy that successfully helps individuals to reconstruct their ability to work and take them out of a condition of burnout. I have chosen to describe the way out of illness, from the individuals stricken with illness’ point of view. The common treatment for the burnout syndrome is often focusing on the interaction in the place of work. The researcher who chose a medical or psychiatric point of view ends up in the same area that social-psychological researcher when they try to explain the phenomena. Nevertheless very few studies have been made than take the affected persons point of view to discuss how to make a successfully process in rehabilitation. My empiric is grounded in ten interviews with persons that have been diagnosed burnout (or any similar diagnosis) and has succeeded to return to work for at least 50%. My interviews have an open structure and make it possible for the person interviewed to tell her (or his) story. As a frame model for my study I have used the symbolic interaction theory. I have also used the idea of Locus of Control to illuminate the aspects of where, the persons interviewed, place the control of the course of events. My analysis from the interview points out following model for a strategy for returning back to work: · Make a pronounced decision that you want to go back to work · Be critical to some of the people who want to help you. Find out what you need and choose the help which can get you there. · Build up, trust and use the supporting network you have in your surroundings. Try to get qualified therapeutic help. Every person I interviewed used help from a professional helper to empower their ability to manage the work situation. Cognitive therapy seems to have had a good effect on the process. · Ask your company if it can manage to comply with the situation you need to cope with the situation at work. If not – consider if you should leave the company and find an employer who better answer to your demands. · Don’t hesitate to talk about your situation. Discuss with your family and your friends and people with the same experience as you. Don’t stop to interact with your surroundings