Stigma, especially self-stigma, is one of the barriers of perception and fear about mental health. A research study conducted by Salaheddin & Mason (2016) revealed that the perceived attitudes towards mental health problems in public, coupled with self-stigmatizing behavior, precludes people from screenings and seek mental health care. Other barriers include problems recognizing symptoms, lack or trust, and preference for self-reliance. Additionally, among individuals diagnosed with mental health problems, most will reject following-up after being screened (Hacker et al., 2017). The irony is that mental health problems are the most prevalent medical conditions and almost everyone will be diagnosed with at least one when screened. Furthermore, the treatment for most mental disorders is easy, with most of them involving an insignificant burden of daily care. Besides, mental health care resources are available, from primary support systems to professional mental health care practitioners. However, existing interventions are useless if people do not seek help for their mental health problems. Breaking the barriers of perception and fear about mental health is, therefore, about allaying concerns and accepting that sometimes everyone needs assistance.
Cultivating a culture where mental health help-seekers are not only heard but responded to comfortably without stigma sets the road to accepting mental health as a serious problem at a societal level. Such culture is sustainable when it targets the young people who will then pass down the beliefs and perpetuate the past generations. It is up to everyone to decide in their time of need to seek help or rely on themselves. It not be nice if one’s support system accepted them with your problems and helped them out. You do not need to join a campaign or a large social movement. When someone seeks your help for their mental health problems, or you notice it, reach out and help them out. Conversely, do not suffer alone. Seek help from those willing to provide it.
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References
Hacker, K., Penfold, R., Arsenault, L. N., Zhang, F., Soumerai, S. B., & Wissow, L. S. (2017). The impact of the Massachusetts behavioral health child screening policy on service utilization. Psychiatric Services , 68 (1), 25-32.
Salaheddin, K., & Mason, B. (2016). Identifying barriers to mental health help-seeking among young adults in the UK: a cross-sectional survey. British Journal of General Practice , 66 (651), e686-e692.
