Experiencing Mental Health when Treating Others. Experiences of Mental Health Workers in Relation to Mental Health Problems: Stigma, Perception, and Employment

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health problems are among the leading causes of disability, with one in four adults in the UK experiencing a mental health disorder. Even with the increasing knowledge concerning mental health disorders, two-thirds of those experiencing concerns are reluctant to disclose their condition and seek professional help. This perceived stigma has a strongly negative correlation with help-seeking behavior, and disproportionately affects healthcare professionals; 26% of mental health professionals in England are reported to be resigning due to a reduction of well-being.

Aims: This paper seeks to compare the effects of stigma perceived by mental health and non-mental health professionals, the barriers perceived, and the impact of specific disorders on this stigma.

Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, a survey was conducted to determine the stigma levels and perceived barriers of 108 people; 50% of these participants were professionals working within mental health services. Two focus groups were conducted, one for mental health professionals and one for non-mental health professionals, with four participants in each group.

Results: The survey reported that mental health professionals had a lower level of stigma for specific disorders, although male mental health professionals working for less than five years reported a higher level of stigma and perceived barriers than did females with the same experience – with these then reducing after five years. The overarching focus group theme was “changes needed for disclosure”, with each group having four subthemes.

Conclusions: Disclosure stigma remains an issue, with further research needing to be conducted to adapt to a minimally stigmatizing service for mental health professionals.