Americans Think Mental Health is Cared for Worse than Physical

Nearly three-quarters of Americans say that mental health issues are identified and treated less and worse than physical ones in the United States. This according to a new survey from Gallup and West Health. Adults aged 65 and older hold the belief even stronger and those who have had mental health problems in the last year. 

38% of American adults say that mental health issues are handled “much worse” than physical ones, 37% say “somewhat worse” and 15% say “about the same”. Just 4% say mental health issues are treated “somewhat better” than physical problems, and 1% say mental health is treated “much better”.

Another part of the survey asked Americans to grade how well the nations healthcare system deal with mental health conditions, dealing similarly bleak results. Just 1% graded it an A, 8% a B, and 27% a C. The remaining majority (57%) gave it a D (32%) or an F (25%).

The poll was conducted by web February 2014 via the Gallup Panel. 

Affordability (52%) and difficulty in finding a provider (42%) were rated as the top two barriers to obtaining treatment for a metal health condition. Fewer, though still large amount of Americans say, they can deal with their condition on their own without professional treatment (28%), shame ( 27%), or thinking that treatment wouldn’t help (24%) keep them from seeking treatment. 

Younger Americans are far more likely to say that cost of care is stopping them from seeking treatment. Six in 10 adults under the age of 50 say cost is the barrier compared with 46% of those age 50 to 64, and 35% of those 65 and older. 

Fifty-One percent say they have experience depression, anxiety or some other mental/emotional condition in the last year. This includes 22% who reported that their condition was so severe it interrupted their normal activities (going to work, caring for a household) and 29% who say it didn’t disrupt their lives.

Those who reported experiencing mental health woes in the last year are more likely than those who haven’t to say that the cost of treatment, difficulty with finding care or shame and embarrassment might keep them from seeking treatment. 

Seven in 10 Americans say society views those who struggle with their mental health “very negatively” (13%) or “somewhat negatively” (57%). One in four will say that they’re viewed”not very negatively” (18%) or “not negatively at all “ (6%). 

The belief in stigmatization of mental health is felt more by those who have reported mental health issues in the last year.  Among this group we have 74% who say a mental health condition is viewed negatively.  And 75% of adults 65 and older think mental health conditions have a negative societal stigma. However, they are also the least likely of all age groups to say shame or embarrassment would keep them from seeking treatment. 

Americans also believe that mental health conditions have increased over the last five years. More than 80% of U.S. adults say the incidence of issues has risen. This includes 42% who say it has increased “a lot” and 39% who say “somewhat”. 10% say the incidence is steady and just 2% say it has decreased “somewhat” or “a lot”.

Women and those under 50 are more likely to see an increase. With nearly half of each group saying that the conditions have rise “ a lot”. 

More than half of American adults (53%) say psychological counseling or therapy is a “very effective” or “effective” treatment. 30% say it is somewhat, and 5% say it is not effective at all. 

Fewer (35%) say prescription medication is effective, 42% say somewhat and 8% not at all.  Those who have struggled are the most likely to believe in the efficacy of counseling. Young adults are the least likely to consider medication effective. 

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