webadminThe Harris Poll, on behalf of the American Psychological Association (APA), conducted a survey of 1,006 U.S. adults to find out their outlook towards mental health illness and treatments related to it. According to the results, 87 percent of the survey participants stated that having a mental health disorder was nothing to be embarrassed about; whilst 86 percent believed that mental health disorders can be treated. These results demonstrated a strong positive change in the average American adult’s mindset towards mental health illnesses.
Terming the results of the survey as encouraging, Dr. Arthur C Evans Jr, CEO, American Psychological Association (APA), said that it indicated a change in people’s attitude towards mental health disorders. He further added that the older respondents in the survey showed a strong belief that mental health disorders were nothing to be embarrassed about. However, in hindsight, 33 percent of the participants accepted that they were scared of people with mental health disorders.
The survey results were released in the beginning of the month of May to commensurate its observance as the Mental Health Awareness Month. Observed since 1949, this year’s theme, #4Mind4Body, is a continuation of the last year’s theme, but with a broader outlook. This year’s theme is about encouraging mental health and general well-being by caring and supporting pets and animals, and encouraging humor, spirituality, work-life balance, social connections, and recreation.
Depression and anxiety no longer considered mental disorders
The survey findings reflected a positive outlook towards mental health disorders. Some of the key findings of the survey were:
- 81 percent respondents said that they were comfortable being friends with someone with a mental health disorder.
- 79 percent were comfortable interacting with someone with a mental health disorder.
- 51 percent respondents said they were comfortable dating someone with a mental health disorder
- 35 percent had no problem in letting someone with a metal health disorder take care of their child.
- 42 percent of the respondents who had little or no knowledge about mental health illness confessed being scared of a person suffering from a mental disorder. However, the numbers were less for those who knew someone with a mental disorder or had some knowledge pertaining to these.
Talking about the survey results, Dr. Evans said that personal experience was one of the most important step towards destigmatizing mental health illness. Another remarkable finding was that a large number of Americans did not consider common mental disorders such an anxiety and depression as mental health disorders.
Mental health and suicide
Suicide was considered to be the most dangerous side effect of mental health illness. They survey indicated that 91 percent respondents believed that suicide could be treated and people with previous suicidal tendencies could go on to live successful lives, while 87 percent suggested that suicides could be prevented.
Another good sign was that majority of the participants agreed that discussions regarding suicide should be held more openly. Around 63 percent agreed that suicide was a selfish act with 30 percent participants preferring to remain silent in case of suicide by a loved one.
Mental health and youth
Surprisingly, the survey results showed that more and more young adults felt skeptical while discussing mental health disorders. This was a matter of concern, said Dr. Evans. He highlighted the fact that people need to be educated in order to understand that there is no shame in suffering from mental disorders or receiving treatment for them.
The survey in fact, reflected that young adults amongst the participants aged 18-34 suffered from mental health disorders. Of these 27 percent complained of poor mental health compared to just 4 percent among those aged 65 and above. Majority of those aged between 34-65 opined that mental health illness was nothing to be ashamed of while a very low percentage of those aged 18-34 agreed to the same.
Seeking treatment for mental health
Mental disorders can be overwhelming. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), every one in five Americans are affected by a mental health problem. Untreated mental disorders can severely impact the quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative that the afflicted individual seeks timely diagnosis and treatment.
If you or a loved one is battling mental health disorder and is looking for licensed mental illness treatment centers, then get in touch with the Mind Health Network. Our team of medical experts at our network affiliates of mental rehab centers are ready to listen to you and help you. Our mental health treatment helpline is open 24/7, including a live chat representative available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You are also invited to complete a confidential fill form and a treatment specialist will get in touch with you. Allow our treatment specialists to guide you through the admissions process so that your decision of seeking treatment can be transitioned into concrete steps towards lifelong mental health recovery.
