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How many Psychiatrists experience personality disorder?

Mental health is important to me and I want to help people but I also want to make sure I will be ok.

psychology medical mental-health
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Annah’s Answer

Morgan, I don't know if there is hard data on this but professionals with mental health issues do exist and this conversation is becoming destigmatized. You can be a successful therapist, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist while meeting diagnostic criteria. I will say that from personal experience it may also be a motivator in entering the field. After years of my own therapy and treatment, I found myself wanting to help others. I continue to manage my own wellbeing while working with adults who live with serious and persistent mental illness. Marsha Linehan is well known for developing DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy); she wrote an autobiography about having a personality disorder and DBT came about from this experience. I have trained with another psychologist who has schizophrenia and educates professionals about how to understand and treat psychosis. It is critical to maintain your health and self-care while working in this field; you will develop this for yourself over time. This work can quickly lead to emotional burn out and vicarious trauma. For this reason, having a good support system in place- both personal and professional is helpful. Some settings are more demanding than others. It is a myth that therapists do not also have their own problems; we are all humans doing our best to navigate daily challenges. I believe that having experienced certain things, I am perhaps better able to understand and empathize with others who are struggling. If you choose to pursue a career in social services, as you train you will learn about how to create healthy boundaries for yourself and have ongoing supervision. I cannot guarantee you will not at some point notice the impact of such work on your mood or outlook on life. I have sought out teams to work with that value joy and laughter along with a commitment to helping others build better lives. This creates balance. You will gain much insight into yourself and learn how to protect your own energy. You are wise to think about any skills you might want to develop; pursuing your own therapy will be critical (at some point). Your graduate studies will accelerate your knowledge about yourself and how brains and bodies operate and heal. It is a dynamic field and one that is endlessly interesting. Whichever direction you decide, I wish you the very best!
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Morgan,

This is a very valid concern! The idea of a mental health professional experiencing a mental health condition themselves can be unsettling. However, it's important to remember that being a mental health professional doesn't make you immune to these challenges.

Here are a few points to consider:

Prevalence: Studies have shown that mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, are at a higher risk of experiencing certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. This is often attributed to factors like stress, exposure to trauma, and the emotional demands of their work.

Self-awareness: Many mental health professionals develop a strong sense of self-awareness through their training and experience. This can help them recognize and address personal challenges more effectively.

Support Systems: Mental health professionals typically have access to support systems, including peer supervision and therapy, which can be invaluable for maintaining their own well-being.

Professional Ethics: There are strict ethical guidelines in place to ensure that mental health professionals can provide effective care without compromising their own mental health.

If you're considering a career in psychiatry, it's essential to prioritize your own mental health. This includes seeking support when needed, practicing self-care, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.


Best wishes!
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