Moving from full-time healing work to paid employment: challenges and celebrations.
BACKGROUND
The experiences and barriers associated with the return to paid employment following healing from recurrent suicide attempts related to mental illness have not been addressed in the literature to date.


METHODS
This paper is a collaborative case study between graduates (experts by experience) and facilitators of a psychosocial/psychoeducational group for people with recurrent suicide attempts. The journeys taken by the experts by experience are explored through thematic narrative analysis.


RESULTS
Issues of stigma, disclosure, accommodations, maintaining wellness and coming to re-define a sense of self were consistent themes found throughout all narratives.


CONCLUSIONS
The paper identified key areas of challenge and celebration, suggesting the need for enhanced support from health care providers, workplace managers, supervisors and colleagues for successful transitions into the workplace.
Bergmans
Yvonne
Y
Suicide Studies Unit, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada. bergmansy@smh.toronto.on.ca
Carruthers
Anne
A
Ewanchuk
Elizabeth
E
James
Judy
J
Wren
Kate
K
Yager
Christina
C
D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009864:Ontario; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013240:Stereotyping; D013406:Suicide, Attempted