To the Editor: In an open e-mail to his colleagues, psychologist Frederick Frese, Ph.D., an acknowledged “prosumer” (a mental health professional who has experienced mental illness) pointed out that of 137,000 members of the American Psychological Association, only ten were known to him to have revealed a psychiatric history. Among psychiatrists, some may reveal their status to trusted friends. However, very few have been openly willing to utilize their psychiatric histories as areas of special expertise. Among these are Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, M.D., who speaks often of her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and Daniel Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., a psychiatrist with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and a leadership role in the consumer movement. All acknowledge prior episodes of psychosis and psychiatric hospitalizations. Yet all are functioning as practitioners or as nationally known advocates.
Where are the others? Hidden from view, they presumably are reluctant to be forthcoming because of their fear of stigma and of being demeaned by fellow professionals. Concerned about being labeled “impaired,” mental health professionals have good reason to hide a psychiatric diagnosis. In An Unquiet Mind, noted psychologist Kay Jamison wrote tellingly of what happened when she revealed her bipolar disorder to an old friend and colleague: an immediate drop in status, an instant perception of an unforeseen defect.
Prosumers do not reveal their status because they fear devaluation and mistrust of their skills. Yet objectively, those who are in recovery and intact enough to conduct their work may also be viewed as superior in important respects. They are able to control their symptoms, overcome external and internalized stigma, and utilize a battery of coping strategies when confronting stress. Consider the accomplishments of the aforementioned mental health professionals with major axis I diagnoses. For many years Fred Frese was director of psychology at a large state psychiatric hospital in Ohio. Dan Fisher is long-time director of the SAMHSA-funded National Empowerment Center in Massachusetts. Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, a former president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a substantial practice and is active in the American Association of Community Psychiatrists. All have lectured widely and participated in national policy-making venues. How many others could influence policy and training if they were willing to lend their personal expertise to these enterprises?
Prosumers who are able to function in their professions are to be admired. They should be proud to acknowledge their diagnoses and take credit for their coping skills in going the extra mile. Fears of disclosure demean their enormous courage in overcoming deficits and turning them into strengths. They are our role models for recovery.
