TomK posted:Interesting research!! From my experience of speaking across many venues and sharing my lived experience it is unfortunate that professionals don't disclose their lived experience of mental health challenges. It seems to be more prevalent in the addictions field but doctors, nurses, social workers don't regularly share their mental health lived experience with the people they serve.
After speaking to over 300 audiences I've had professionals share their lived experience with me after my presentation, however when I ask them if they've shared their lived experience with the people they serve the answer was "No"!
Stigma, prejudice and discrimination is still very real in our field!
Perhaps, some day, professionals will see the value of sharing their lived experience in a mindful, professional, and empathic manner!!
When I first learned of the CBC report on the five Nova Scotia 'Mounties' (RCMP) on leave of absence due to PTSD, the On-Site Academy [then only for 'First Responders' in the USA, but now reportedly open to both first responders and 'Human Services Personnel' from anywhere in the world] began their affiliation with "[trauma-informed] Intentional Police Peer Support" programs. Boston and Cambridge Massachusetts Police Departments' IPPS programs 'affiliated' with On-Site Academy. On-Site Academy subsequently moved their 'Crisis/Respite Program' from their administrative office in Gardner, Mass., to a serene/rural farm, with farm animals, etc., a short distance outside Gardner. I think that IPS specialized [limited to specific professions] may be a workable strategy for 'Professions', though I don't yet have "Evidence" of its Efficacy.