Table 1.

Session-by-session outline for the psychoeducation intervention

Session	Teachers/faciliteters	Content
1	Psychiatric nurse	• Information on symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety and functional disorders related to the cause of the disorders and the consequences for the ability to work. The teaching focused on diagnoses to a lesser extent than traditional PE. Instead, emphasis was on the general discomfort and functioning in everyday life caused by the symptoms and in particular on handling a job. The session was based on the Stress-Vulnerability Model
2	Psychiatric nurse	• Information on options and appropriate coping strategies related to the mental symptoms and the sick-listing of the participants. The teaching focused on self-awareness, warning signs and lifestyle. The participants were introduced to different cognitive tools, which they could use in their everyday life. The session was based on the Stress-Vulnerability Model
3	Social worker/Psychiatric nurse	• On the basis of the sick-leave legislation, the participants received counselling related to their sick-listing. The teaching provided the participants with tools to facilitate labour market participation and RTW.
4	Psychologist/Psychiatric nurse	• Information on mental reactions and symptoms related to being on sick leave. The teaching provided the participants with tools to achieve a higher level of mental well-being and to facilitate RTW. The participants were informed about where to turn for support and, additionally, psychological challenges and barriers related to RTW were discussed.
5	Physiotherapist/Psychiatric nurse	• The participants were informed about the importance of exercise for health in general and about the influence of exercise on mental well-being in particular. Additionally, training advice and counselling to ensure a continued motivation were given.
6	A person previously on sick leave/Psychiatric nurse	• Both participants and relatives attended the first part of the session which consisted of a presentation by a person who previously had been on sick leave due to mental health problems. The speaker described the course of illness, the process of dealing with personal issues, and the course towards RTW. Subsequently, the participants shared mutual experiences as well as experiences with the speaker. Concurrently, the relatives participated in a session held by a psychiatric nurse. The purpose was to strengthen the abilities of the relatives; in part to support the individuals on sick leave towards RTW, and in part to take their own lives in their hands. The relatives were informed about the symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety and functional disorders.