Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement, Vol 56(1), Jan 2024, 10-19; doi:10.1037/cbs0000346
The majority of workers experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms remain employed, but few studies have investigated how they manage their symptoms while working. This study aims to identify the self-management strategies used by these workers to promote their functioning at work. Semistructured interviews were conducted with workers presenting symptoms of anxiety or depression (n = 25). A total of 54 self-management strategies that emerged from thematic analysis were grouped into three main categories: behavioural (managing tasks, worktime, workspace, and relationships; managing boundaries between work and personal life; using time off work to recover energy; taking care of one’s physical health and seeking social support), cognitive (practicing self-compassion; managing negative thoughts; adopting a positive outlook; accepting situations as they are; living the present moment; and developing self-awareness), and affective (identifying and managing emotions). The results provide a comprehensive picture of the various self-management strategies that can be included in programmes to promote mental health in the workplace and disseminated to employees experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)