Mental Health Care: Are You Afraid to Seek Treatment?

Amy Taylor January 16, 2013

Just as general medical care, mental health care is available for children and adults. Unfortunately, only a small number of people seek such kind of service despite the increasing rate of mental health problems. In Britain for instance, almost two-thirds of those with mental disorders do not seek treatments, according to studies.

The stigma associated with mental health care is not a new issue. Despite the campaigns, awareness programmes and encouragement from health experts, a lot of people are still hesitant to seek professional help. And there are many reasons for this.

Public Perception

For many people, being told that they have a mental illness can be extremely worrying, and at times, embarrassing. They think that mental illness means something is wrong with their behaviour and when people find it out, they’ll start losing friends. This perception is often exaggerated by the media – using the term ‘mentally ill’ to describe individuals in asylums who have severely violent behaviours. Such stigma can make having mental disorder feel very isolating.

It’s really hard to attempt undergoing treatment while the whole world makes a judgement on you. But more and more people with mental health problems are giving proof that just as a medical condition, mental disorder could take place and there are treatments that will free them from it.

Lack of Information

Another reason why many people don’t seek mental health therapy is because they basically have no idea what’s going to happen. They are afraid that the procedure might not work or may be too harsh to bear. Some people don’t seek therapy because they are worried that their doctors or therapists would think negatively about them.

Treatments for mental health problems vary and most of them are non-invasive (unlike medical procedures). Often, treatments only involved talking to a professional therapist like in the case of counselling. It is also important to remember that all therapists are trained in their practice. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. They are not there to judge, but to listen and understand.

Financial Cost

Therapy can be costly. But you can always find an affordable treatment. Seeing a therapist as early as possible can prevent further spending. You should also take into consideration the potential cost if your mental health issue will not be addressed. Anxiety disorder for instance, could affect your productivity at work which can lead to you taking absences. As a result, you earn less.

Lack of Support

Many people with mental health issues are uncomfortable discussing personal issues with their loved ones. On the other hand, some are advised by their friends or family to simply let go of whatever that’s troubling them as it may probably just a trial that will pass. But unless you talk to a professional therapist, you will never know the extent of your mental disorder and how it may impact your life.

Getting Started

There are many good therapists around. Even just by browsing the web, you can already find the best therapist to help you. You can post an enquiry here, as we have many great therapists ready to help you. He or she could provide good referrals.

Dear Readers,

What do you think the role is of therapists in changing the ‘stigma’ in mental health care? How can therapists reach out to other people?

Share your comment below.