Mental Healthcare Professionals' Own Mental Health Disclosure to their Supervisor: Investigating Barriers and Facilitators, Experiences, and Needs.

Abstract

Purpose: For mental healthcare professionals (MHPs) with mental health issues and illness (MHI), disclosure to a supervisor at work can be a dilemma: it may facilitate support but also involves risks of stigma and discrimination. This study examined barriers and facilitators, experiences, and needs regarding disclosure of MHI to supervisors among MHPs, and compared disclosers and non-disclosers.

Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was completed by 298 MHPs with MHI working in five Dutch community mental healthcare centers. Descriptive analyses summarized disclosure decisions, barriers and facilitators, experiences, and needs. Differences between disclosers and non-disclosers were examined using chi-square tests with Monte Carlo significance testing and one-way ANOVAs.

Results: Two-thirds of participants disclosed their MHI to their supervisor. There were no differences in demographics, work position, or perceived experience (positive/negative) between disclosers and non-disclosers. Both disclosers and non-disclosers reported fears of stigmatization and discrimination, a preference for self-reliance, and difficulties discussing MHI. 70% of disclosers reported that they had no other choice but to disclose. Most disclosers also reported that their MHI affected occupational functioning, they needed workplace accommodations and that their supervisor took MHI seriously. The most frequently reported need for future disclosure was a supervisor with an understanding for MHI.

Conclusion: The decision to (non-)disclose was strongly shaped by fears of stigma, discrimination, preferences for self-reliance, but also the perceived necessity to disclose. Supervisors play a key role in creating an environment where MHPs feel safe to disclose, which can contribute to MHPs' sustainable employability and well-being at work.