A survey released this week by UCLA researchers said that about 5 million adults in California alone said that they need help to deal with emotional or mental problems. In fact among them approximately 1 million can be classified in the ‘serious psychological distress’ criteria. However, only one-third were agreeing to go for mental health services or those in serious mental problems approved of a professional for treating their condition.

The survey involved 44,000 adult individuals and it was done as a sub-part of California Health Interview Survey of 2005. David Grant, the lead author of the survey, expressed his views that economical recession since the survey in 2005 may have added more cases of mental health.

The absence of health insurance coverage was found to be the main reason for people avoiding professional help. However, this situation may undergo changes as the new state and national mental health parity laws compel the insurance providers to cover mental health too along with physical health.

Seeking medical help for mental problems is considered a disgrace by most men, Latinos, Asians and older people and this stigma acts as a barrier. However, the biggest barrier is still poor economical conditions.

The survey finds that women are two times more likely than men to seek the help of mental health services when they feel sand, nervous or anxious. The adults below federal poverty level were 5 times more likely to report any symptoms of serious psychological trouble compared to those above the poverty line. Even the adults below 65 years age were two times more likely to seek professional help.

This survey also demonstrates an urgent need for steps to improve mental health services as an absence of funds for public insurance programs and mental health programs could spell serious problems for thousands of Californians who are in need of mental health services.

Source:

Los Angeles Times