Barriers to Self-Care and Seeking Help Among Mental Health Professionals and Trainees: A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence identifying the barriers mental health professionals and clinicians in training face in both engaging in self-care and seeking help when in need. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were searched for articles published between 1990 and June 2024. Inclusion criteria reflected peer-reviewed articles published in English, report of original data where the participant sample targeted mental health professionals or trainees, and examination of barriers to self-care or help seeking. An adapted critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies (AXIS) and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research were used to assess the quality of included studies. The review identified 14 studies (n = 5,422 participants) that examined barriers to seeking help or self-care. Mental health concerns appeared common among mental health professionals. Reported barriers reflected stigma, concern for confidentiality and career implications, and practical challenges associated with time, the competing demands of the profession, and cost. Barriers and concerns were shared across career stage and profession. The studies reviewed were limited by sampling and methodological issues that may underestimate the problem and miss important barriers or contextual factors associated with help-seeking and self-care behaviors. Improved understanding of the barriers mental health professionals and trainees face in seeking help and engaging in self-care is needed to inform improvements to workplace initiatives and training programs and the promotion of better health and well-being across the workforce.

Public Health Significance Statement

Understanding the barriers mental health professionals face in seeking help is important for safeguarding the workforce. Employers and educators play an important role in building a work culture where mental health professionals feel supported in seeking help and returning to work following periods of distress.