Is it common for mental health professionals to have a personal history of mental illness?

Question

I know some people that work in the mental health field do have a history of mental illness, some that I have met are currently on antidepressants, but because they have their illness under control they are perfectly fine. Is this common, and if you were looking to get into a career in mental health would having a personal history of mental illness benefit you because maybe you could relate to your clients/patients better?

Answer 1

Thank you, chelsea_lulu21, for asking.

I agree with deYoung's answer but also the truth-be-told, I dare say that during the past 3 and half decades I've encountered many mental health professionals and the bunch with the most obvious serious personality disorders turns out to be none other than our psychiatrists who were book-smart enough to pass all the schooling exams and unfortunately ended up with their degrees although seriously lacking in true interpersonal relationship skills due to their personality disorder. If someone needs to see a therapist I would sooner suggest they see a psychologist than a psychiatrist for better odds.

And surely it does stand to reason that someone who has experienced symptoms of mental illness can empathize rather than just sympathize with their patients.

And thanks again for asking. Tsark out.

Answer 2

"What is my first meeting going to be like with a psychiatrist? During your first visit, your psychiatrist will ordinarily make a thorough assessment of your symptoms and the history of your problems in order to evaluate the potential benefits of medication as a treatment option. He or she will also ask about your family history as well as any medical problems from which you might suffer. He or she will then discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of medication as a treatment choice including potential side effects. You can then make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to try medication." Other mental health care professionals will do almost exactly the same. Therapists/psychologists may not emphasize meds as much.

Answer 3

Very definitively Yes!

Take a look at this link
http://www.psychcrime.org/psychcrimes/crimesearch3.asp

Most Psychiatrists admit that they went into the field to solve their own mental illnesses.

Answer 4

Oh Yes.....I knew a girl that helped troubled kids with thier mental problems,drug addictions and so forth....talk about the pot calling the kettle black...she was a basket case and a half. She tryed to tell me I had problems and granted,I drank alot and partied just the same but she was dating my buddy and she was right along side of us when we did...I told her "Look, you deal w/your abuseive relationship and yourboyfriends addictions and your insecurities before you come trying to dip your nose in my bussiness." She had a look on her face and couldnt believe I said what I said. Shhhiiiittttt!!!!!! Silly Rabbit, Tricks are for kids!!!!!

Answer 5

It is very common for someone to become interested in mental health as a result of their own mental health issues, and segway into the field professionally. It is more common in the less clinical areas of the mental health field like MFTs or LPCs.

Psychiatrists and actual PHD certified psychologists not as much b/c the education is more difficult and will not accomodate the symptoms of mental illness.

Answer 6

They may not have had a mental illness before working in the NHS but it is one of the most stressed out industries...the pressure of the work, long and unsociable hours, constant management changes, changes in working practises, aggressive patients, litigation threats...and so on and so on. Bye the way...it's the same in local authorities!!
You don't have to commit suicide to work as a Samaritan!!

Answer 7

The mental health profession has as many people with mental illness as does any other profession or the general population, for that matter.
People get into their professions for a variety of reasons - and so do mental health professionals.

Answer 8

no, my uncle is a mental health nurse and he hasn't got a mental health problem!

Answer 9

Do we trip when we die?



The only way to get dmt is from a dead human being, for it lyes in the brain. DMT(Psychedelic drug) is released into our bloodstream upon death and through out the brain, the brain is alive for 10 to 15 minutes upon death. Is the bright light we see upon death the chemical release of D.M.T. how would you feel if it was?

Answer 10

Yes and yes and I am.