An exploration of how mental health professionals with lived experience of psychological distress navigate their professional world

Purpose People with lived experience of psychological distress can be attracted to work in mental healthcare and figures are indicative of a sector with high rates of professionals having experience of psychological distress. This study aims to explore how mental health professionals (MHPs) with lived experience of psychological distress navigate their professional world, generating a theoretical model to explain this process. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were held with MHPs who identify as having lived experience of psychological distress (n = 9). Data was analysed using constructivist grounded theory (CGT). Findings The end model describes the process of navigating one’s professional world as an MHP with lived experience and demonstrates the multiple interacting factors at play. The model is depicted by an illustration of a battlefield, drawing on images and metaphorical language used by participants. Eight main categories emerged from the data: “the trenches”, “psychological impact”, “the armour”, “stigma”, “the fort”, “a foot in both camps”, “connection and support” and “influence and change”. Practical implications Findings have implications for MHPs with lived experience and the systems they work in. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first CGT study to explore and provide a theoretical model of how MHPs with lived experience of distress from multiple disciplines navigate their professional world.