Mental health takes a backseat to physical health in the U.S., according to a new survey of the American health care system. About 75% of respondents said mental health problems are identified and treated “somewhat worse” or “much worse” than physical ailments, despite 81% perceiving a higher incidence of Mental illness in the last five years.
Western Healtha national nonprofit organization focused on aging and healthcare, partnered with Gallup to survey nearly 2,300 American adults in February. He results They were released on Wednesday.
About 5% of respondents thought mental health problems are treated “somewhat better” or “much better,” and 15% thought physical and mental health problems are treated equally.
The older the respondents were, the more likely they were to think that mental health problems are treated worse:
- 18-29: 66%
- 30–49: 76%
- 50–64: 78%
- 65+: 82%
“Many Americans struggle with mental and behavioral health conditions that are often not addressed in the context of the treatment and management of other medical conditions,” West Health President Timothy Lash said in a statement. Press release. “Health systems, providers, caregivers, and patients themselves must pay as much attention to mental health as they age as they do to their physical health. The two are inextricably linked and are essential for overall health. age successfullyand quality of life.”
Respondents were also asked if they themselves had had a mental health condition in the past year. Those who said no were more likely to think mental health is treated worse than physical health, 79% compared to 72% of people who had experienced mental illness.
The US healthcare system report card It was also poor, with a plurality of respondents giving it a D for addressing mental health conditions:
- TO: 1%
- B: 8%
- C: 27%
- D: 32%
- F: 25%
People see mental health conditions skyrocketing in the US.
The vast majority of respondents said that Number of Americans with mental health problems.including depression and anxiety, has “increased somewhat” or “increased a lot” compared to five years ago, 39% and 42%, respectively.
Women and people ages 50 to 64 were more likely to say the incidence had increased, while men and people ages 30 to 49 were more likely to say it had stayed the same. Only 4% of all respondents said the incidence had decreased.
Mental illnesses remain clouded by stigma
The topic of mental illness may no longer be the taboo that was Just half a century ago, however, 70% of respondents felt that society viewed people with mental health problems “very negatively” or “somewhat negatively.” Only 6% stated that society does not view them negatively at all.
Respondents who reported having a mental health disorder in the past year were more likely to say that society has a negative opinion of people like them.
Adults ages 65 and older were more likely to think that people disapprove of mental illness, while young adults ages 18 to 29 were more likely to think that society views mental illness more positively.
The cost of treatment is the main obstacle to mental health care
Mental health treatment is very expensive. That is the main factor that respondents said would prevent them from seeking care for such a condition. Difficulty finding a provider was the second most common reason. Respondents were allowed to select more than one reason; Other options included being able to cope with the condition without treatment, feeling ashamed or ashamed, and not thinking that treatment would help.
People aged 18 to 29 and those who had recently suffered from a mental illness were the most likely to say treatment is unaffordable. People age 65 and older were the least likely to say shame would prevent them from seeking treatment for a mental or emotional health condition. Respondents who had not recently experienced a mental illness were slightly more likely to say they could cope with the condition without treatment.
“Effectively comply with the behavioral health needs of Americans and your families throughout the different stages of life requires providers, caregivers, policymakers, payers and patients themselves work together to reduce barriers to care,” Lash said in the news release. “There are still a considerable number of people who do not receive the treatment they need, a situation that can only worsen as the population ages.
“Effective approaches, including integrated systems and Person-centered behavioral health models. that provide services through clinics or community organizations, should be leveraged more to ensure people can get the care they need when and where they need it.”
If you need immediate mental health support, please contact the 988 Suicide and lifesaving crisis.
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