Why Are Individuals Hesitant Seeking Mental Health Services?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In the United States, lack of confidence in the mental health system was – at 37% – the number one reason for not seeking professional intervention, followed by a lack of knowledge of what kind of help to seek (34%).

Why is there a lack of access to mental health services?

(1) Common barriers to mental health care access include limited availability and affordability of mental health care services, insufficient mental health care policies, lack of education about mental illness, and stigma .

Why is seeking help important?

Seeking help allows you to learn how to manage challenges that can affect your well-being and mental fitness . You’ll perform to the best of your ability, even when you are under pressure.

What are three reasons that someone would not seek help for a mental disorder?

  • Fear and shame. One of the most common reasons for not seeking help is fear and shame. ...
  • Lack of insight. ...
  • Limited awareness. ...
  • Feelings of inadequacy. ...
  • Distrust. ...
  • Hopelessness. ...
  • Unavailability. ...
  • Practical barriers.

What factors might prevent a person from seeking mental health treatment?

  • Stigma. Society still attaches stigma to mental illness. ...
  • Lack of Awareness. Not everyone who has a mental illness is aware that they have this problem. ...
  • Lack of Support from Loved Ones. ...
  • Fear and Distrust. ...
  • Money.

Why is access to mental health services important?

Making sure that individuals have access to mental healthcare can improve lives and communities. For many, it can dramatically reduce or eliminate the risk of suicide, legal issues, family conflict, employment issues, substance abuse and further mental and physical health problems .

How barriers put in place by healthcare services can affect an individual seeking help?

Barriers to care for mental health issues, including not knowing where to seek help, and stigma around mental illness can lead to delayed help-seeking . Failure to seek help, or delaying to seek help, slows the recovery time and can lead to serious events such as suicide.

Which group is least likely to seek mental health services because of the stigma associated with it?

Mental health stigmas exist worldwide and can impact anyone of any race or ethnicity, creating barriers to access available mental health treatment. According to Mental Health America (MHA), Asian Americans are the least likely racial group in the United States to seek mental health services.

What are some reasons someone might not seek help for PTSD?

  • You may not trust therapists or psychologists.
  • You may worry about money. ...
  • You may feel that asking for treatment is a sign of weakness.
  • You may think you will get better if enough time passes.

What are some reasons someone might not seek help for bipolar disorder?

  • The cost of medication.
  • Medication side effects.
  • Misdiagnosis/change of diagnosis depending on seeing different practitioners.
  • Constant medication changes and medication side effects.

What are some barriers to individuals seeking out therapy?

  • Desire to Receive Care. ...
  • Lack of Anonymity When Seeking Treatment. ...
  • Shortages of Mental Health Workforce Professionals. ...
  • Lack of Culturally-Competent Care. ...
  • Affordability of Care. ...
  • Transportation to Care. ...
  • Resources to Learn More.

Does everyone have access to mental health care?

Nearly half of the 60 million adults and children living with mental health conditions in the United States go without any treatment . People who seek treatment must navigate a fragmented and costly system full of obstacles. As a result, many people cannot access mental health care when they need it most.

What is the common barrier for not receiving mental health services among adults?

The results revealed that the most common barriers are fear of stigmatization, lack of awareness of mental health services, sociocultural scarcity, scarcity of financial support, and lack of geographical accessibility , which limit the patients to utilize mental health services.

How does stigma affect individuals with mental health issues?

Stigma and discrimination can contribute to worsening symptoms and reduced likelihood of getting treatment . A recent extensive review of research found that self-stigma leads to negative effects on recovery among people diagnosed with severe mental illnesses.

Why do so few elders seek and receive mental health services?

Research shows that older adults are often less comfortable seeking care from a mental health professional than their younger counterparts. Due to historical shame and ignorance surrounding mental illnesses and psychological problems , stigma tends to be more powerful among those who came of age before the 1960s.

Why is mental health a social issue?

Mental Health and Social Relationships

Poor mental health influences people’s relationships with their children, spouses, relatives, friends, and co-workers . Often, poor mental health leads to problems such as social isolation, which disrupts a person’s communication and interactions with others.

Emily Lee
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Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.