Are you one of the many millions of people trying to cope on your own with symptoms of
anxiety,
depression, or another mental health challenge? Perhaps you have friends with whom you can talk about what’s going on—and they do their best to support you. But even when you feel better for a little while, the worries, sadness, out-of-control
stress, and other issues always seem to come back around.
You know things aren’t right, yet you feel like you should be “strong enough” to deal with your problems. Even when those who are close to you have suggested you
reach out for professional help, you always find a way to justify not doing so.
If this sounds familiar, there are plenty of other people who think the same way—and they continue to suffer unnecessarily too.
7 Reasons Why People Avoid Mental Health Treatment
Getting professional help can make a big difference in the lives of anyone struggling with mental health issues, but there are many excuses people use for not scheduling an appointment. And a lot of them are based on misconceptions about what it means to see a psychiatrist or a therapist.
Do any of these excuses or beliefs prevent you from reaching out for help?
1. It’s stigmatizing and embarrassing.
Do you think that going to therapy implies something is wrong with you and that people will look at you differently? First of all, having mental health issues is
nothing to be ashamed of—they are not due to some kind of moral failing or character flaw. Needing help is much more about your brain being out of balance, and with the right treatment, you can greatly improve your symptoms. Furthermore, if you don’t want anyone to know you are getting help, don’t tell them. You have every right to keep your personal information private.
2. You’re too busy to see a therapist.
It’s easy to overbook your calendar, but chances are you have a little wiggle room to prioritize self-care. Generally speaking, most counseling appointments are less than one hour, once per week. Plus, many therapists and doctors are available through
telehealth, which can be really convenient. You probably can give up a little time spent on social media or watching TV each week to attend an appointment that will help you work through the symptoms and problems that are holding you back.
3. You feel guilty because others have it worse.
In life, there will always be those who struggle more than you do, as well as people who struggle less. Professional help is there for everyone. There’s a reason you are struggling now but diminishing your own needs doesn’t help you—or anyone else—even if they seem to be having harder challenges. It’s OK to give yourself permission to reach out for the support you need. You deserve to take care of yourself.
4. People go to therapy to complain about their lives.
And you can’t stand people who complain. If you’re unhappy with things in your life, are burdened with painful memories, have constant
anxiety, or are
feeling hopeless about your future, these are not complaints. These are real issues that are interfering with your ability to feel better. Try to recall how you learned that talking to someone about your problems was akin to whining and that no one wants to hear it. It might be old messaging from your past.
5. Been there once, and it didn’t work.
If you have sought treatment for your issues before and it wasn’t helpful, you’re not the only one. At Amen Clinics, many of our patients had similar experiences until they were successfully treated by us. Before coming to one of our clinics, they have already gotten an average of 4.2 different diagnoses, failed 3.3 providers, and tried 5 medications—and still have symptoms. That is why Amen Clinics incorporates
brain SPECT imaging as part of a patient’s evaluation. This technology lets the doctors actually see what is going on in the brain. Being able to identify the underlying biological cause of a patient’s symptoms allows the doctor to create an individualized treatment plan specific to each patient’s unique brain.
6. It’s too expensive to get treatment.
While yes, mental health treatment isn’t free, having
untreated mental health problems can be far more costly in the long run. It can interfere with school performance, the ability to hold down a job, ruined relationships, physical health conditions, and substance abuse—all of which can be devastating financially. According to a
study published in
The American Journal of Psychiatry, healthy respondents earned an average of $38,851 while those with serious mental illness earned just $22,545. So rather than being deterred by the cost, consider ways you can rearrange your budget and set aside the money for the
treatment you need. For example, take your lunch instead of eating out and plan free activities to do with friends or family rather than going to places that cost money. Investing instead in your mental health and well-being is worth it!
7. You don’t want to be judged.
In reality, you’re probably the only person judging yourself for having some mental health challenges. One of the things you might not know is that most mental health professionals are very accepting and offer a non-judgmental environment to help you work through your issues. They provide a safe space for you to explore whatever it is that’s troubling you, and rather than being judgmental, most of them are compassionate and understanding.
Sometimes, it can be hard to take that first step to get the treatment that will help you feel better. It’s not uncommon to have some initial hesitancy—some people have concerns about feeling too vulnerable. However, a skilled mental health clinician knows how to work at a pace that makes you feel comfortable as you address your symptoms and issues and move forward toward your goals.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, it’s important to get support and treatment.
At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
