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

Abstract

Purpose This paper discusses two recent studies of mental health professionals who have experience of mental distress, one in the USA and one in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to highlight different experiences, first of largely concealing their experience, and second of disclosing and using it. Design/methodology/approach The Australian study examined the barriers experienced by mental health professionals, including trainees, in relation to seeking help. The USA study reported on a sample of mental health professionals who were doing well, including leaders of services, despite current or past mental distress. Findings Both studies included more psychologists than other mental health professionals. Australian mental health professionals reported similar fears and barriers to those found in other studies, in addition to concern about their colleagues’ duty to report impairment to the regulating body. Professionals in the USA-based study were described as potentially helpful in reducing stigma about mental distress because their achievements demonstrated that recovery is possible. However, many of them were also cautious about who they disclosed to, and wanted further reduction in stigma and discrimination. Originality/value The Australian study highlighted specifically that the requirement to report impairment to the regulator deterred people from disclosing distress at work, making it less likely that they would get help. The USA-based study was ground-breaking in documenting achievements of a substantial sample of mental health professionals with experience of mental distress. Potentially more professionals being “out and proud” might help increase recovery and social inclusion for service users more generally.

To disclose or not to disclose? Peer workers impact on a culture of safe disclosure for mental health professionals with lived experience.

“…However, other participants, predominantly mental health professionals, were of the belief that sharing their lived experience with service users was beneficial. This sentiment is reflected in a few preliminary studies that suggest possible positive impact on social inclusion and recovery for people accessing services when mental health professionals are 'out' with their own lived experience (Holttum, 2017). Further, research that explores the differences between peer and clinical roles and the diverse considerations for each role when considering disclosure, may provide guidance on what is appropriate in relation to disclosure for the distinct roles.…”

A shared lived experience of a psychologist battling a mental health crisis.

“…There are a growing number of high-functioning, successful mental health professionals with mental illness who publicly disclose about these struggles. However, stigma, negative attitudes among colleagues, and discrimination keep many from disclosing about mental health struggles due to fears of punitive rather than supportive responses (Holttum, 2017). Kay Jamison (1996); Elyn Saks (2007), and Marsha Linehan (Carey, 2011), three successful and well-known individuals in their fields, disclosed their experience with mental health struggles later in their careers, perhaps when professional risks were less.…”

Experiential Knowledge of Mental Health Professionals : Service Users’ Perceptions

“…308.). These professionals being "out and proud" might help increase recovery and social inclusion for service users more generally (Holttum, 2017). However, they often have not been trained on how to harness their lived experience appropriately or effectively for the benefit of service users (Byrne et al, 2022).…”