Mental health, stigma and psychologists’ lived experience of caring

• Published in: The journal of mental health training, education, and practice education, and practice, 2023-02, Vol.18 (2), p.171-183
• Main Authors: Burrows, Angela, Warner, Claire, Heath, Jennifer, Keville, Saskia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beliefs; Caregivers; Caregiving; Caring; Clinical medicine; Clinical psychologists; Community Services; Data analysis; Depression (Psychology); Emotional Response; Ethics; Family (Sociological Unit); Feedback (Response); Interpersonal Relationship; Interviews; Medical research; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental health; Mitigation; Occupational roles; Occupational stress; Personal experiences; Physical Health; Professional Identity; Psychological distress; Psychological Patterns; Psychologists; Qualitative research; Resistance (Psychology); Semi Structured Interviews; Social Status; Social Support Groups; Stigma; Therapist patient relationships; Vulnerability
• ISSN: 1755-6228; 1755-6228; 2042-8707
• DOI: 10.1108/JMHTEP-03-2022-0018

Purpose Mental health (MH) and caring can be demanding for those directly and indirectly impacted. An under-researched area is that of professionals’ personal experiences of caring for a loved one with MH difficulties. This study aims to provide an in-depth exploration of psychologists’ experiences of caring and its impact on clinical practice. Design/methodology/approach A total of 11 psychologists with experiences of caring for a loved one with a diagnosed MH condition and/or MH distress participated in semi-structured interviews focused on caring experiences and its impact. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Themes identified were as follows: personal and professional roles; the emergence of a carer identity; carer stress and strain; impact on professional practice; and dual positioning. Originality/value This study highlighted the knowledge and value of listening to professionals with lived experiences. Their ability to understand stigmatisation through personal caring experiences may facilitate the mitigation of this for vulnerable people attending clinical services.