What is the effect of stigma on individuals who need mental health services and treatment?
The stigma attached to mental illnesses affects the willingness of individuals to seek services, the treatment they receive, and the availability of mental health services. Stigma against individuals with a mental illness can appear as fear, distrust, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination. At times, it can prompt people to avoid working, socializing, and living with those who have or are thought to have a mental illness. Individuals are less likely to seek mental health treatment for fear that their friends, neighbors or employer will find out. Stigma partially explains the fact that nearly two-thirds of adults with a diagnosable mental disorder do not seek treatment. Stigma has allowed health insurers to restrict coverage for mental health services in ways that employers and the public would not tolerate for other illnesses. Some private insurers do not provide any coverage for mental health illness treatment. Others limit coverage to acute care services. Before passage of the 19
Related Questions
- Does that mean there were no treatment services in England providing specialist help for veterans with mental health problems?
- If more money was put into the treatment of adolescent mental health, could adult services be reduced?
- What is the effect of stigma on individuals who need mental health services and treatment?
