Апытанне паказвае унікальныя патрэбы ў псіхічным здароўі ў розных пакаленнях

A recent survey by Rula Health reveals that mental health has gained importance for over half of Americans in the last five years. Conducted in April 2023, the survey included more than 2,000 U.S. adults to assess the current landscape of mental health support. Findings indicate that more than 50% of respondents have utilized mental health services at some point in their lives. Among these, over 25% are currently undergoing therapy, while another 25% have sought therapy within the past year, suggesting a proactive approach to mental health.

The survey shows that 78% of respondents who sought therapy reported improvements in their mental health. Key factors motivating individuals to seek help include economic uncertainty (28%), social issues (27%), and political changes (15%). COVID-19 also played a role, influencing 13% of respondents to discuss their mental health.

Anxiety and depression are the primary reasons for seeking treatment, with over half of respondents citing these issues. Other common concerns include stress and burnout (33%), trauma (27%), relationship problems (25%), grief (24%), and work-related pressures (15%). Notably, a third of individuals aged 18-24 are pursuing therapy due to trauma, reflecting the stressors faced by this generation, including the pandemic, social justice issues, and economic instability. Doug Newton, M.D., M.P.H., Rula’s chief medical officer, emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care that is accessible and relevant to young adults’ experiences.

Despite the increased demand for mental health services, cost remains a significant barrier. A quarter of respondents indicated that high costs would deter them from seeking support. Among those not in treatment, 20% stopped attending therapy due to prohibitive costs, and 16% discontinued because of changes in insurance coverage. Other barriers include difficulty finding the right therapist (16%), availability issues (12%), distrust of the medical system (11%), and stigma surrounding mental health (7%).

Older adults face particular challenges in accessing care. More than half of respondents aged 65 and older have not received treatment in over five years, and 28% are unclear about what type of therapy would be best for them. This demographic also reported feeling uncomfortable discussing mental health issues. Newton points out that misconceptions about older adults’ interest in mental healthcare persist, but the data indicate that stigma, cost, and confusion play major roles in their lack of access. He suggests integrating mental health support into primary care and normalizing discussions about mental health to help this age group.

The survey also examined the impact of technology on mental health. Two-thirds of respondents acknowledged that technology affects their mental wellbeing, with over 20% feeling more connected due to digital tools. However, one-quarter reported feeling overwhelmed by information, while others expressed a constant urge to be online and a sense of disconnection from their surroundings. Nearly 25% prefer telehealth options over traditional in-person therapy.

When searching for therapists, the most common methods included online searches, referrals from physicians, and recommendations from family and friends. Interestingly, about 6% of respondents found their therapist using AI platforms like ChatGPT. Gen Z, the most active generation on social media, expressed a high level of distrust in the medical system, which influenced their willingness to seek mental health care. Misinformation on social media may contribute to this distrust, prompting Newton to recommend that providers engage younger patients through digital platforms and culturally responsive care models.

Overall, the survey highlights that individuals’ relationships with their mental health are significantly shaped by their social circles. More than half of respondents noted that mental health is important to their families and friends, indicating a positive shift in societal attitudes. Newton concludes that each generation faces distinct challenges in mental health, and care systems must adapt accordingly to close the gap and provide personalized support.