There are many mental health issues that people suffer from, but very few of them seek professional help and therapy. 60% of adults dealing with mental illness suffer in silence, which leads to a long list of consequences. This can include increased dependency on substances, increased risk for suicide, disruptions in daily life, and much more.
Nearly 1 in 4 adults will be diagnosed with mental illness at some point during their lives. Unfortunately, many don’t seek professional help for fear of the stigma they may experience. In this blog post, we’re going to look at 5 of the main excuses people use to avoid getting professional help.
“I Don’t Need Therapy”
Therapy, mental health counseling, psychiatric counseling – whatever you want to call it. Many individuals view professional help as something that is better suited to people with severe mental health illnesses. The truth is, many mental health problems begin relatively minor. They are left to smolder for so long that they develop into something that can be quite overwhelming.
For example, experts often use the analogy of fire to explain how mental illness can develop if it is left untreated. If you start off with just a few embers in your mental state, they are unlikely to cause much harm or discomfort initially. However, as time goes on and these embers turn into small flames. Without being extinguished, they can turn into a full-blown mental health crisis.
“Things Aren’t as Bad as They Seem”
Even though you are showing noticeable changes in your mental state, saying things aren’t as bad as they seem is an excuse that seeks to diminish those concerns. This excuse suggests a “tough it out attitude” about mental health issues. However, doing so doesn’t often lead people away from their problems.
For example, mental health professionals often refer to this as “Duck Syndrome” when it comes to mental illness. This refers to how people will act like everything is fine and dandy on the surface. While underneath, there are mental issues brewing that needs professional attention.
“Therapy is too Expensive”
Another excuse many people who are suffering from a mental illness use is that therapy is so expensive. Therapy is not like going to the doctor and getting medication for your mental health issue. It takes time, patience, and effort on behalf of both therapist and patient.
While therapy can be expensive, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Fortunately, mental health insurance plans are becoming more common across North America. In fact, in many cases, mental health professionals will work directly with your insurance company provides to help make mental health counseling as affordable as possible for their clients.
“I Don’t Have Time for Therapy”
Our mental health is something that needs attention, just like a physical injury or illness. However, people do not view their mental wellness as an important factor of our mind and body. We need time to care for both mind and body if we want them working at optimal levels.
Many people use this excuse when it comes to their mental wellness. They are too busy with work, school, family, and other responsibilities to take the time they need for mental health issues. However, as important as it is to give our bodies attention in terms of diet and fitness, so is caring for our mental health.
“I Don’t Know Where to Start”
Finally, mental health experts often hear that people don’t know where to start when it comes to mental illness. There are so many different mental illnesses and symptoms out there, how do you even begin finding the right professional help?
Finding mental health care can be a difficult process – particularly if you have no idea of what type of therapy or mental health professional you need. The good news is, there are resources available to help. Calling your health insurance company to get information on coverage is the first step towards help.
Once this information is found out, there are actually treatment centers that cater your therapy and treatment around your needs and goals. Harm Reduction Center in South Florida knows that therapy is not a one size fits all and each client has different needs to help them succeed. If you are ready to take the first step, contact the professionals at Harm Reduction Center to get help today.
