Abstract
Objective: To examine barriers and facilitators influencing self-direction of return to mainstream work following acute mental illness.
Participants: Five individuals who had attempted return to mainstream work following acute mental illness.
Methods: In depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with the five participants selected through purposive sampling.
Results: The three main themes related to the workers' self-direction of their return to work experience were (a) worker self-management, (b) workers' 'personal' partnerships and (c) workplace partnerships.
Conclusion: Personal and workplace partnerships are integral to supporting workers as they take ownership of their full potential and self-direct return to mainstream work.