Accomplishments of 77 VA mental health professionals with a lived experience of mental illness.

Abstract

Anecdotal reports and first-person accounts by psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses with lived experience of mental illness ("prosumers") indicate that they can be effective in these roles, but little is known about the extent, nature, or contributions of this group. Competently functioning prosumers are in a unique position to increase hope for recovery and reduce stigma and discrimination across the mental health field, to the ultimate benefit of consumers. The study surveyed a convenience sample of 77 prosumers working for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We present descriptive productivity metrics such as publications, presentations, funding, initiating and leading programs, training and supervising other clinicians, and performing community work outside VHA. Very few have asked for accommodations at work. Two thirds have not disclosed their lived experience to any of their patients. On average, respondents have disclosed to only 16% of their colleagues, and about one third have not disclosed to any of their colleagues. Qualitative data show that participants see their lived experience as an asset, whether or not they disclose it. They advocate being conscientious about self-care to remain work-ready. Although the group sees many advantages to being open about their lived experience, and many are proud to stand up and be counted, others cite reasons to be cautious about disclosure. It is hoped that this survey will provide inspiration and encouragement to mental health workers with lived experience and that it will help foster a welcoming and inclusive work environment for this capable group of colleagues. (PsycINFO Database Record

Is “me-search” a kiss of death in mental health research?

“…Linehan, for instance, developed the therapeutic concept of Radical Acceptance, a core component of DBT, from her own treatment experiences (Carey, 2011a). Relatedly, mental health providers with a lived experience of mental illness commonly report that their experiences are helpful to their therapy work (Boyd, Zeiss, Reddy, & Skinner, 2016).…”

Research watch: is social inclusion for service users increased when mental health professionals “come out” as service users?

“…In the second of the papers I discuss in detail here, Boyd et al (2016) begin by suggesting there could be positive things about mental health professionals being open about their own experience of mental distress: They suggest that it might counteract clinicians' pessimism about recovery, and counteract stigma through people having the opportunity to work with professionals who have mental distress experience and are doing well. However, they also point to the problem of rarity, where an individual person who is doing well is seen as exceptional and not representative of people who have experience of mental distress more generally.…”

“…However, they also point to the problem of rarity, where an individual person who is doing well is seen as exceptional and not representative of people who have experience of mental distress more generally. Therefore, Boyd et al (2016) suggest, it will be more effective for counteracting stigma if more professionals can be open about their experience.…”

“…Further benefits Boyd et al (2016) suggest include a more welcoming atmosphere for peer support workers, that it may foster greater hope for people in treatment for mental health problems, and that such professionals may provide mentoring to trainees with experience of mental distress. Boyd et al (2016) point out the long-standing tradition of former clients supporting new clients in addiction services.…”

“…One paper (Edwards and Crisp, 2016) records the dilemmas and difficulties faced by mental health professionals when either disclosing or contemplating disclosing mental distress. The other (Boyd et al, 2016) highlights the benefits that might be realised through mental health professionals being open about their own distress, if circumstances are favourable. This is a topic on which I have published research with others recently, and I briefy refer to it in what follows.…”