Mental illnesses are not uncommon in the United States. According to a recent report, one in five Americans lives with a mental illness. Thus, mental health is an important aspect of our overall well-being. That makes it vital to seek professional help when dealing with it.
However, there are still many stigmas about it that prevent people from seeking the help they need. In the United States, around 45% of people dealing with clinical mental health problems don’t seek professional help. There are many reasons behind this.
For some, seeing a therapist might seem tedious, while others can find it unnecessary. Even though some people want to seek help, they are afraid of the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
Let’s explore the reasons why many mental health patients hesitate to seek professional help.
Many Think That Mental Illness Is Not a Real Illness
Many people think that mental illnesses are not real illnesses. They have the misconception that mentally ill people are crazy or just making up for their problems. However, mental health patients can’t choose to be sick. Their brain is not functioning properly, and they need professional help.
The brain is the most important organ in our body. Therefore, it makes sense that when something goes wrong with this crucial organ, the patient will be affected physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
Some Are Afraid That They Will be Labeled as Mad
While there are many reasons why mentally ill patients do not seek help, one of the main reasons is that they fear being labeled as mad. Many people believe that being labeled as mad will harm their reputation or job prospects.
The stigma associated with mental illness and lack of understanding about how to deal with it leads many people to stay away from seeking professional help for their condition.
It Takes Time Before Patients Can Find the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist can be a long and difficult process. Most patients need to be referred by a doctor or family member, who then has to go through a screening process before they can be accepted as patients.
If they are accepted, they must find someone who fits their budget and insurance coverage. This may take weeks or months of searching, during which time many people give up on seeking help altogether.
But there are easier ways. You don’t always have to know how to find a therapist. The right therapist might just be a few clicks away as long as you know where to look for them.
Different online portals can help you out with this. Just make sure you check the therapist’s credentials and what they specialize in before booking an appointment. Also, you can check their reviews to gain better insights regarding their capabilities.
The Cost of Therapy Is Sometimes Unaffordable
While you can find a therapist who charges as little as $25 per session, this may not be feasible for someone living on food stamps or in an area where the cost of living is high. Don’t despair, though. There are many other options available to you.
In England, the NHS provides free access to mental health treatment if you qualify and have been referred by your GP. Low-cost support services are also available through different charities. Besides, many therapists don’t charge as much as you’d expect them to. Simply talking to them or the clinics they work for will help you find the best match that suits your wallet.
In the United States, the Biden Administration is currently working to make mental health more affordable and accessible. They are starting this with the youth first because they are more vulnerable to these issues and don’t always know how to deal with them.
The government’s efforts are focused on improving mental health services across schools in the country. Hopefully, this will help improve the situation and allow the authorities to look into providing affordable mental health care for all ages afterward.
Anxiety Prevents People from Sharing
Some people who suffer from mental illnesses may be too anxious to seek help because they don’t know how they will be received by their therapist. They fear that they will have to open up about the most painful experiences of their lives and relive them in detail, which can be difficult for some people.
In addition, there is a stigma attached to seeking treatment for mental health issues in many cultures. This makes it even more challenging for some individuals to seek help.
People should seek help when they need it. It can be hard to talk about mental health, but many people are willing to listen and support you through what you’re going through. Thus, seek help for your mental health whenever you need it. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
