Why do people seek mental health treatment?
Having your mental health treated can also improve your productivity, allowing you to focus on daily tasks and give you the motivation to get things done in a timely manner. Improving your mental health can even extend your life expectancy.
Why is it important to get treatment?
For example, treatments for chronic illnesses focus on reducing symptoms and preventing or delaying complications. If you stop treatment, these may occur more quickly, which could have a major impact not only on your quality of life, but also on your life expectancy.
What are the most common reasons a person may need to seek help?
8 Reasons to Seek Psychological ServicesYou're not feeling “like yourself” lately. ... You have become dependent on drugs or alcohol. ... You've gone through a major life change. ... You've experienced a traumatic event. ... You're having thoughts of suicide/self-harm. ... Others have expressed concerns about you.More items...
What are 3 reasons why someone does not seek treatment?
8 Reasons Why People Don't Get Treatment for Mental Illness 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.
When should you seek mental health treatment?
When is an evaluation or treatment needed?Marked changes in personality, eating or sleeping patterns.An inability to cope with problems or daily activities.Feeling of disconnection or withdrawal from normal activities.Unusual or "magical" thinking.Excessive anxiety.Prolonged sadness, depression or apathy.More items...
What is treatment in healthcare?
Definition of medical treatment. Medical treatment means the management and care of a patient to combat disease or disorder. Medical treatment includes: All treatment not otherwise excluded (below). Using prescription medications, or use of a non-prescription drug at prescription strength.
Why do people not seek care?
While there are multiple reasons why, one is the fact that people avoid or forego mental health treatment, due to judgment, doubt, pride, fear, misinformation. Individuals fear judgment, change, the unknown, and what they might discover in therapy; additionally, they're too prideful to admit they need help.
Why do people not seek help with mental illness?
Here are some reasons preventing people from seeking treatment. One of the most common reasons is the stigma that is associated with having a mental illness. Despite the awareness campaigns there is still a large proportion or people who are afraid of the consequences of having a mental illness diagnosis.
Why don't people seek treatment?
Why People Don’t Seek Treatment. One of the major reasons that people forego getting the mental health treatment they need is due to the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and the people who suffer from them. In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that the stigma surrounding mental ...
Why do people not get treatment?
These reasons can range from fears of being criticized and ostracized due to their mental illness or even due to personal misunderstandings about the effectiveness of treatment.
Why is stigma important in mental health?
In a 2014 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that the stigma surrounding mental illness was a major factor that deterred people from seeking treatment. “Stigma, defined as negative attitudes held by others, is a barrier to receiving treatment for mental health disorders.
Why do people abstain from seeking mental health care?
People of all ages suffer from the effects of mental health stigmas, which can harm their willingness to seek treatment. However, stigma is not the only reason people choose to abstain from seeking mental health treatment. Other barriers to seeking treatment include access to mental health care, inconvenience and the lack ...
How does mental health affect physical health?
Good mental health can also positively physical health by improving sleeping habits, the immune system and lower pain levels.
Is mental health a battle?
Living with mental illness will always be a battle, but getting the proper treatment will make it much more manageable, allowing you to enjoy everything life has to offer without your condition getting in the way. In addition to improved mental health, seeking treatment can also lead to other benefits, as well.
About Derek Clewley
Dr Clewley is an educator, researcher, physical therapist, and mentor in the Duke University Doctor of Physical Therapy program. His clinical area of expertise and training is orthopaedics and manual physical therapy.
Reference
Derek Clewley, Dan Rhon, Timothy Flynn, Shane Koppenhaver, Chad Cook (2018). Health seeking behavior as a predictor of healthcare utilization in a population of patients with spinal pain. PLOS One https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201348. Open Access! FREE to download
Why don't people seek help for mental illness?
Why Don’t People Seek Help for Mental Illness? January 15, 2019. Awareness of mental illness and the need for treatment has been growing in recent years. This is in large part due to campaigns designed to raise awareness of depression, addiction, bipolar disorder, and suicide, as well as more celebrities being open about their own mental health ...
What percentage of people with mental health issues don't seek treatment?
A study by the World Health Organization, or WHO, found that between 30 and 80 percent of people with mental health issues don’t seek treatment. This includes 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder, 55 percent of people with panic disorder, 56 percent of people with major depression, and a stunning 78 percent of people with alcohol use disorder.
What is the name of the first 12-step treatment center?
Established in 1939, High Watch is the world’s first 12-Step treatment center.
What is the third way people can be unaware they need help?
The third way people can be unaware they need help is a condition called anosognosia. This typically occurs in about half of people with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. They are essentially so impaired by their illness that they are unaware there’s anything wrong.
Is it hard to admit mental illness?
Most people struggling with mental illness are in a less secure position. Already unsure about themselves and their position in life, it’s hard to risk precious social and professional capital to seek help. Admitting your problem to your doctor, spouse, or even yourself can be difficult.
