Purpose: To explore how burnout rehabilitation clients experienced their recovery from burnout and what they found beneficial in rehabilitation.
Subjects: Twelve clients whose burnout levels had declined during rehabilitation were interviewed at the end of the second period of the rehabilitation course.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews comprised the main material of the study and were analysed by content analysis. In addition, the Bergen Burnout Indicator (BBI-15) was used to measure the reduction in burnout levels.
Results: The analysis yielded a single overarching theme, My well-being in my own hands, and four categories. The overarching theme describes the overall process of recovery and the revelation experienced by clients that they are in charge of their own well-being. The process starts with Support from rehabilitation professionals, the client group and family or friends. The categories Awareness and Approval refer to specific changes in the attitude towards and recognition of one's needs and limits. The category Regained joy describes the culmination of the recovery process manifested in different spheres of life.
Conclusions: The rehabilitation course proved particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from burnout. The accumulation of support, awareness and approval led to a revival of joy in life and greater perceived control over one's well-being.
Keywords: Change; Content analysis; Interview; Occupational health; Qualitative research.