In recent years the thought process surrounding mental health has changed, but there are still those who don’t seek treatment for a variety of reasons. Why people avoid mental health treatment varies from person to person. However, receiving the proper care and direction in dealing with things that make life difficult is the best gift that you could give yourself. If you are contemplating receiving mental health treatment, it can be extremely beneficial in the long run, and the rewards far outweigh the risks you may feel you are taking by doing so.
What is Mental Health Treatment?
When it comes to why people avoid mental health treatment, one of the reasons is because they don’t truly understand what exactly it is. Treatment for mental health encompasses a wide range of therapies that can help you to better understand what you are going through and how to get through the difficult times with minimal disruption to your life. Learning ways of coping when things go awry is the most important part of the process, as well as having someone neutral who can help you process your thoughts and feelings, in a safe environment without judgment or repercussions. The therapies used in mental health treatment can be highly beneficial to working through trauma and helping to manage depression and anxiety. If you struggle, there is help. You don’t have to continue struggling.
Reasons People Avoid Mental Health Treatment
Why do people avoid mental health treatment? The answer to this question varies from person to person. However, there are some main reasons that are commonly heard when you ask this question:
Fear
Feelings are not fun. Facing them and working through them can be the scariest, yet most rewarding thing that you can do in your life. Processing the negative feelings and emotional turmoil you may be experiencing, and coming out of it with a positive insight can feel so good! Don’t allow fear to run your life, the feelings will pass and you will feel so much better having processed and worked through them. All you have to do is give it a chance.
Therapy Means You’re “Crazy”
One of the main reasons that people avoid mental health treatment is the thought process that seeking mental health help means you are crazy. This is a false narrative. Bettering yourself, mentally, simply means you are aware enough to know that you need help to feel better about life. It also means that you know it is okay to need help. That just means you are a strong person who wants to be stronger.
Comparing Someone Else’s Experience to Your Own
Many times it said a friend’s experience is why people avoid mental health treatment. Comparing what your experience may be to what someone else has experienced can keep you struggling unnecessarily. Just because someone you know participated in some form of therapy and it was a negative experience, that does not mean all experiences with therapy for everyone will be negative. That may not have been the treatment route they needed to take. Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What doesn’t work for someone else may actually be extremely beneficial for you.
Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
The stigma surrounding mental health is a major factor in why people avoid mental health treatment. Although in recent years, this stigma has subsided, and mental health treatment has come to the forefront of society, there are still those who believe that there is no need to seek professional help, that they can do it on their own. When they project this thought process onto others, it only helps to amplify the effects of the stigma surrounding mental health and mental health treatment. Getting help is not a bad thing, it is actually one of the best things you can do for yourself. Don’t let others stop you from getting better.
Thinking it Won’t Work
This is a common reason why people avoid mental health treatment. You may hear it all of the time. “I went to therapy once and it didn’t work.” That’s because mental health treatment isn’t a one-and-done solution, it takes work. Initially it may be uncomfortable, but as time goes on, you will come to understand what works for you and allow yourself to grow.
Mental Health Treatment in South Florida
There are far more reasons to receive mental health treatment than there are not to. It can make a world of difference for those who are struggling with life. Mental health is no joke, and those who struggle and have sought help can attest to the wide range of benefits. If you or a loved one struggle with mental health conditions and wish to seek help for it, The Neuroscience Research Institute can help. We offer a level of care suited to fit your needs. Reach out to us today and begin on the path to a happier, healthier life
