Question

Why factors impede access to mental health treatment

Answer 1

Society generally has a negative perception of individuals with mental illness. The stigma attached to mental illness is manifested by avoidance, anger, embarrassment, fear, stereotyping, distrust and bias. It is a barrier that discourages people from seeking treatment, especially in rural areas. The perceived social stigma associated with receiving mental health care and the need to travel large distances to get this care lead to fewer mental health visits by patients in these areas, thus decreasing the likelihood of such individuals receiving the care they need. In order to address the issue of stigma, there needs to be a change in society’s perception of mental illness through greater availability of effective treatment options, provider attitude toward recovery for individuals with mental illness, and public awareness that mental illness is not only common but treatable.

Main factors which impede the access to mental illness treatment are

a. limited availability of medication and health professionals.

b. Limited affordability as psychological illness treatment is not covered by insurance policies which make it unaffordable.

c. Lack of education

d. Stigma- as patients may attempt to distance themselves from the labels that mark them for social exclusion which often prevents patients from seeking and adhering to treatment.