For mental health workers with lived experience, the decision to disclose their personal struggles to colleagues and clients is often a difficult one.
A new study published in the Community Mental Health Journal explores this dilemma, revealing that while some workers see disclosure as a powerful tool for connection and recovery, others feel constrained by organizational policies that favor caution and discretion. The research, led by Inbar Adler Ben-Dor, illuminates the institutional pressures that shape these decisions and the impact of designated peer roles within the mental health system.
The authors write:
“The findings reveal that peers’ SD in MH services is a complex process. Organizational approaches were often controlling of non-designated peers’ SD practices; participants had diverse attitudes for and against peers’ SD; SD occurred according to personal preferences, specific peer roles, and the director’s approach to peers’ SD; Conflictual SD dilemmas emerged in relation to service users and staff.”
The study highlights the significant role that institutional policies play in shaping whether mental health workers with lived experience feel empowered or restricted in their self-disclosure decisions. While designated peer roles offer a supportive environment for sharing lived experiences, the broader organizational culture often leans toward a restrained approach driven by concerns about professionalism, stigma, and the potential impact on service users. These findings raise important questions about how mental health services can better support peer workers in navigating the complexities of self-disclosure, ensuring their unique perspectives are valued while protecting their well-being and professional integrity.
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When Mental Health Workers (MHW) who share their personal experiences with “clients” need to be aware, very aware of what they share and why.
No-one wants to leave a session believing that their own concerns pale in comparison to someone elses. What relevance does the sharing have and for what purpose and for whose benefit?
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