[Psychiatric professionals' own crisis and treatment experiences-impact and coping strategies].

Abstract

Background: Own experiences of crises and treatment (ECT) are widespread among staff in psychiatric and psychosocial settings. The present subproject of the ECT research project, investigating how staff of psychiatric institutions in Berlin and Brandenburg are affected, addresses the questions of what significance these employees attach to the ECT in patient-related work and how they feel about disclosing these experiences.

Material and methods: In an explorative cross-sectional online survey, 182 mental health professionals were asked about the disclosure of the ECTs in the work context. The data were analyzed descriptively and analytically.

Results: The existence of ECT is predominantly rated positively by the staff surveyed and is seen as influential for their work and useful for patients. The disclosure of these experiences was assessed as neutral to negative and rarely practiced.

Discussion: Staff are reluctant to disclose their ECT. Based on the literature on the topic of peer and recovery counselling, it can be assumed that ECT could bring more benefits in patient-related work through reflective disclosure.