There are oodles and oodles of threads on here about people who want to become mental health nurses, psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists. All because of their own experiences.
Personally if someone from the CMHT said to me "I've been there, I know what you are going through" I'd take it really well. I think it probably gives you a deeper understanding of what your clients are going through. And how would you be patronising and looking down? After all if anything having your own problems resolutely puts you on the same level as the clients.
You aren't a hypocrite at all. Just think of part of the reason RYL works so well is that people with issues give each other support. And to be able to be in that position of working shows you must at least be partially on top of your issues, so who knows you may even be inspirational to some.
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