Awareness surrounding mental health illnesses and the need to act to get treatment has been growing in recent years. Campaigns designed to educate and support those struggling with depression, addiction, anxiety, or other illnesses have created a platform to have a conversation. Despite this progress, many young adults who need help for a mental health issue don’t seek it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health or NIMH, 30-80% of people with mental health issues don’t seek treatment. It includes 50% of people with bipolar disorder, 55% of people with panic disorders, 56% of people with major depression, and an overwhelming 78% of people with alcohol use disorder (NIMH). With mental health issues becoming more visible than they ever have, and with more treatments and care being made available, why do so few young adults seek help?
Stigma
Perhaps the number one obstacle standing in between a person deciding to seek treatment or not seek treatment is the stigmas. Regardless of progress, people are afraid of being stigmatized, not only for their illness but for seeking help at all. The perception is that someone is weak or incapable of overcoming their issue and should do so independently. However, these illnesses are diseases and disorders of the brain, not unlike other autoimmune disorders or conditions of the body and other organs requiring treatment to function at their best.
Other studies suggest that those struggling with a mental illness are in a less secure position. Therefore, they might be uncertain of themselves and their position in life and therefore, it might be challenging to risk social and professional capital to seek help. Merely admitting the problem personally from within can be very difficult (National Center for Biotechnology Information).
Help is for Other People
Someone in need of mental health care might not know it because they are in denial. The implications of admitting a mental illness and seeking help are too great to comprehend. Even when the problem is recognized, excuses present themselves to justify why one does not need help. Sometimes, the one struggling with a mental issue is not aware that what they are experiencing is a mental health concern that can benefit from treatment. The individual only understands what it is like to be them, so it might not occur to them to get the help they need. Disorders such as depression, social anxiety, ADHD and others could go untreated for years because these are often confused for being personality traits rather than treatable health issues.
Personal Conditions
Sometimes the desire to reach out and acquire help is there; however, finding a therapist or making an appointment could feel like an impossible task. Such tasks seem unbearably difficult when in a depressive state. Additionally, a social anxiety disorder can make the prospect of telling a doctor or therapist about the issue feel incredibly intimidating. These personal conditions can make it hard for the individual to take the initiative and seek treatment on their own, much along the same lines as driving themselves to the hospital when they have a terrible flu. Having the support of friends and family and public support programs is essential to encourage and motivate those who need help to seek it comfortably and healthily.
Practical Reasons
There are valid reasons why it is hard to get care; for one, it’s availability. Many rural residents don’t have the number of options as, say, those in more populated areas such as cities. Such places are often medically underserved, and mental health addiction treatment is worse (NCBI). However, more recently, with the rising need for telemedicine and telehealth, these methods have been shown to ameliorate this issue and expand upon care options for those in rural areas.
There is also the matter of financial issues to help pay for the treatment. While most insurers cover mental health to a certain degree, young adults are less likely to have insurance. Additionally, young adults are also at a higher risk for addiction and other mental health issues. Lower-income populations also face unique pressures that increase the chances of mental illnesses and decrease the likelihood that they will have the necessary options to get help (NCBI). However, most therapists can charge on a sliding scale and more and more clinics are beginning to offer free or low-cost therapy.
Scared of Treatment
Much like a stigma, fear is also among the top obstacles for someone moving ahead in life. Someone who has not sought treatment for a mental health issue might have some misinformed ideas about how different treatments work. Others might fear being vulnerable enough to share their feelings and emotions. Some even decide that no treatment will work for them or fear that it won’t work. However, treatment is a form of help and should not become interpreted as something to fear. In reality, treatment such as therapy offers a relaxed environment where one does not need to discuss or disclose anything they do not feel comfortable discussing. Sessions can also happen over the phone or through video chat so a patient can focus on the session without having to stress about time and cost spent traveling. Studies also support that most people benefit from treatment and even notice significant improvements in a relatively short amount of time (NCBI).
Understanding and educating oneself about mental illnesses help play a critical role in identifying behavioral health issues. At DiscoveryMD, we provide multiple treatment centers. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues, then it is time to act. DiscoveryMD can help make you aware of the resources available to you in your area. We uphold values grounded in security, comfort and confidentiality to ensure you are in the best environment to get the most help and the most potential for growth after treatment. To learn more, contact us today.