WASHINGTON, DC — Three-quarters of Americans believe mental health problems are identified and treated worse than physical health problems in the United States, according to a new West Health/Gallup poll. . This belief is even stronger among U.S. adults age 65 and older and those who report experiencing mental health problems in the past year.
Overall, 38% of U.S. adults believe mental health issues are treated “much worse” than physical health issues, 37% believe they are treated “somewhat worse,” and 15 % said they received “about the same” treatment. He said only 4% think their mental health problems are “somewhat better” and 1% say they are “much better.”
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Another measure in the survey, which asked Americans to rate how well the nation's health care system is dealing with mental health conditions, yielded similarly harsh ratings. Only 1% of U.S. adults rate their ability to cope with mental health issues as an A, 8% as a B, and 27% as a C. The remaining majority, 57%, give it a D (32%) or F (25%).
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The poll, which examines Americans' views on various aspects of mental health care in the United States, was conducted online from February 2nd to 14th through a nationally representative Gallup panel.
The cost of mental health care is the biggest potential barrier for Americans
The top two barriers to getting treatment for a mental or emotional health condition are listed as the top five options Americans choose from. They are more likely to believe they can manage their symptoms without treatment (28%), feel shame or embarrassment (27%), or believe that treatment is not helpful (24%). The number of people who say they may not be able to receive the benefit remains a significant but small minority.
Younger Americans are much more likely than older Americans to say that the cost of treatment may prevent them from seeking treatment. About 6 in 10 adults under 50 say cost could be a barrier, compared to 46% of adults 50 to 64 and 35% of those 65 and older. ing.
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Fifty-one percent of survey respondents reported experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental or emotional conditions in the past 12 months. This group included 22% who said their condition was so severe that it interfered with normal activities such as going to work or doing household chores, and 29% who said it did not interfere with their normal activities. %contained.
People who say they have experienced a mental health condition in the past year are more likely to avoid seeking treatment due to cost, difficulty finding a provider, or shame or embarrassment. higher than those who don't.
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There is a stigma attached to mental health for many people, especially those who have recently been affected.
Seven in 10 Americans believe that society views people with mental health conditions in a “very negative” (13%) or “somewhat negative” (57%) , around one in four people feel that people with a mental health condition are “less negative” (18%) or “not negative at all” (6%).
The idea that society is biased against people with mental health problems is particularly felt among people who have experienced such problems in the past year. 74% of this group believe that people with mental health conditions are viewed negatively. Similarly, 75% of adults over 65 believed that mental health conditions were negatively stigmatized by society, the highest of any age group. However, they are the least likely of all age groups to say that shame or embarrassment can deter them from seeking treatment.
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Four in five Americans say their mental health is worsening in the United States
In addition to the belief that mental health conditions are under-addressed in the United States, Americans also recognize that these conditions, including depression and anxiety, have increased over the past five years. It is widespread. More than 80% of U.S. adults say the incidence of these mental health problems has increased, with 42% believing it has increased “a lot” and 39% believing it has increased “somewhat.” Only 10% of people said the incidence was stable, and just 2% said the number of infections had decreased “somewhat” or “significantly.”
Women and adults under 50 are more likely than other women to recognize that the number of Americans with mental health problems is increasing, with nearly half of each group reporting that They believe that the number of symptoms has increased “significantly” over the past five years.
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Psychological counseling is considered effective by the majority of Americans
Americans' concerns about how mental health care is handled in this country are not necessarily tied to beliefs about the effectiveness of mental health treatment. More than half (53%) of U.S. adults consider psychological counseling and therapy to be “very effective” or “effective” treatments. Another 30% said it was “somewhat effective” and 5% said it was “not at all effective.”
Only 35% of U.S. adults think prescription drugs are “very effective” or “effective,” while 42% say they are “somewhat effective” and 8% say they are “not at all effective.” There is.
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Americans who report recent experience with mental illness are among those who believe most in the effectiveness of counseling.
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In terms of prescription drugs as treatments for mental health conditions, demographic differences are less pronounced. However, young people are the least likely to think it is effective.
what it means
Most Americans do not believe that caring for mental health conditions is equivalent to caring for physical conditions. Although many people find treatments such as counseling and prescription drugs to be effective, they may consider them unaffordable or inaccessible, or negative stigma or the ability to self-medicate may keep them away. Some say it's sexual.
Overall, nearly 6 in 10 Americans believe that the way we deal with mental health conditions is inadequate or failing, and just 1% think it's excellent. Policymakers are working to close the gap between care for people with physical problems and those with mental health problems, but in the minds of Americans, there is room for improvement. A lot. Greater attention to achieving parity between mental and physical health could further ensure that mental and emotional health is given adequate attention within the U.S. health care system. There is a gender.
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