Why Mental Health Suffers Do Not Seek Help
Much has been written about depression and anxiety. But most do not seek help.
Why?
The need is there. It can be felt mentally and physically. It interferes with daily life. With it, life can be disastrous- depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, etc.
Client’s reluctance to seek therapy
“More than 43 million Americans suffer from depression1, anxiety or other mental health issues, but more than half never get help.”
Here are some reasons:
Stigma “Three out of four people with mental illness report that they have experienced stigma. Stigma is seen as a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labeled by their illness they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes create prejudice which leads to negative actions and discrimination.”
Privacy-one may wish to protect his/her privacy- away from boss’ view, jeopardizing promotions, exposing one to friends or colleagues who might perceive weakness.
Fear of Truth Afraid of hearing a negative diagnosis. “The devil I know is better than the devil I don’t.”
Reluctance to do the work, change lifestyle, etc.
Cost
Not knowing how to find the right kind of help (not knowing the difference between psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, occupational therapists, life coaches, etc.
Client’s feelings during the therapy session
Initial uncomfortable inner struggle to explain personal feelings & history
Achieving relaxation as the session continues
Naming what “it” is and what “it” is not- could rule his/her greatest fear.
Relating to the therapist- the conversation begins to open up
Feeling a modicum of relief in that first session
Feeling the need for further help and gaining the courage to do what it takes to build on that initial relief and to improve
What a therapist does2
It is not just talk but the relationship that heals.
Psychotherapy is typically an interactive, collaborative process based on dialogue and the client’s active engagement in joint problem-solving.
The psychotherapist may assign homework for the client to practice new skills between sessions or reading assignments so as to learn more about a particular topic. Together client and psychologist will identify problems, set goals and monitor progress.
“In some instances, the psychologist3 will choose to focus mainly on the current problem or crisis that brought him/her to therapy and help to change interfering thoughts and behaviors to make positive changes for the future.
Work with the client employing some of the many and varied therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) a form of behavior treatment that focuses on changing habits, varying these and other therapies to fit the unique needs of the client.”
Offer continuing support in subsequent sessions including emails to and from the client between sessions.
Here at Counseling on Demand you will be in good hands.
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References:
- Facts & Statistics, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, https://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
2/3. What do practicing psychologists do? http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/about-psychologists.aspx
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