Jane Sheppard here, reporting for North Florida news. A recent survey unveiled a troubling trend in the American healthcare system: mental health continues to be a secondary concern compared to physical health. Despite an alarming 81% of survey participants acknowledging an increase in mental illness over the past five years, about 75% believe mental health issues receive inferior treatment compared to physical ailments.
This nationwide poll was conducted by West Health, a nonprofit organization focused on aging and healthcare, in collaboration with Gallup. The survey, which was conducted in February, comprised input from nearly 2,300 US adults. The results were released on Wednesday.
Approximately 5% of respondents held the view that mental health issues receive “somewhat better” or “much better” treatment, while 15% believed the treatment of physical and mental health issues was equal.
One of the striking findings of the study was the correlation between the age of the respondents and their perception of mental healthcare. The older the respondents were, the more likely they were to perceive mental health issues as being treated worse:
- 18–29: 66%
- 30–49: 76%
- 50–64: 78%
- 65+: 82%
According to West Health President Timothy Lash, many Americans grapple with mental and behavioral health conditions that frequently go unnoticed in the context of treating other medical conditions. He stressed that as individuals grow older, the need to pay equal attention to mental health and physical health is crucial for successful aging and quality of life.
When asked about their own mental health condition within the past year, those who responded negatively were more likely (79%) to perceive mental health as being treated worse than physical health, compared to 72% of those who had experienced mental illness.
The report card for the US healthcare system’s handling of mental health conditions was also dismal. A majority of respondents rated it poorly:
- A: 1%
- B: 8%
- C: 27%
- D: 32%
- F: 25%
Rising Mental Health Conditions in the US
A striking 81% of respondents noted an increase in Americans suffering from mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, when compared to five years ago. Adult women and individuals aged 50-64 were more likely to report an increase, while men and individuals aged 30-49 were more likely to report no change. Merely 4% of all respondents believed that the rate of mental health conditions had decreased.
Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness
Although society has progressed in its understanding of mental health, the stigma surrounding mental illness remains prevalent. According to the survey, 70% of participants felt society views people with mental health conditions negatively. Only a meager 6% felt that society does not perceive them negatively at all.
Cost and Accessibility: Major Barriers to Mental Health Care
The high cost of mental health treatment emerged as the primary factor preventing individuals from seeking care. The second most common reason was difficulty finding a provider. Other deterrents included the ability to manage the condition without treatment, shame or embarrassment, and skepticism about the effectiveness of the treatment.
Timothy Lash emphasized the importance of reducing barriers to care and ensuring that people receive the treatment they need, considering the escalating need for mental health services. He proposed leveraging integrated and person-centered models of behavioral health that deliver services through clinics or community-based organizations.
If you require immediate mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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