A LINE ON LIFE
3/17/96
Talk to Someone Who Can Help
David
A. Gershaw, Ph.D.
Recently the American Psychological Association (APA) hired an independent
research company to do a phone survey to find out what people thought about
psychological health and psychological services. The company interviewed 1001
Americans aged 21-65. Each respondent was a primary health
care decision-maker for their household. Since they were decision-makers
for their household, more were women (66%). Most (52%) were middle class, earning
$20,000-$50,000. Of those who indicated their income, 25% were above $50,000,
and 15% were under $20,000. The majority (63%) had at least some
post-high-school education. Here are some results from this survey.
A large majority (84%) valued good psychological
health. They "understand the link
between psychological health and physical health," and they "agree that a person should spend time
doing things to improve his or her mental and emotional health." In
contrast, almost half (47%) wanted a better understanding of when to seek help
from a mental health professional. Various factors were seen as important barriers
to seeking help —
¥ lack of insurance coverage (84%)
¥ concern about cost (84%)
¥ lack of confidence in outcome (76%)
¥ not knowing how to choose the right professional (68%)
¥ not knowing when you need professional help (64%)
¥
Concern about time span of treatment (59%).
These were followed by concerns about
the effect on their job or career (53%), others finding out (31%) and what
these others would think (24%).
Three-quarters or more of the people
would seek help for serious mental disorders like schizophrenia (93%), suicidal
tendencies (87%), alcohol or drug dependency (86%), eating disorders (83%),
depression or anxiety (80%), or problems their children are having (76%).
However, fewer would seek psychological help with a chronic or serious physical
disease, problems with marriage or divorce, difficulties in rearing children,
the death of someone close to them, general stress, making life style changes,
or problems at work.
Although 51% agreed that their family
physician did a good job of meeting their "emotional
and mental health needs," 81% were more likely to use a "physician who works with a
psychologist." Mental health professionals had been used by 43% of the
households. (With some of the concerns mentioned above, this percentage may be
low.) Almost half (49%) went to psychologists, while 38% chose psychiatrists,
and 14% went to social workers. The remainder went to general therapists,
various types of counselors, or other professionals. Of those who sought help,
74% were satisfied with the professional they had picked.
Rather than
dispensing magical cures,
mental health professionals
only help you to help yourself.
How do you know when you need help? The APA offers several guidelines to
help you decide. You should seek help when —
¥ you feel like you canÕt do it alone
¥ you feel trapped, like there is nowhere to turn
¥ you worry all the time and never seem to find answers
¥ the way you feel is affecting your sleep, your eating
habits, your job, your relationships, your everyday life
¥ itÕs not getting any better.
Even if you want to get professional
help, how do you find someone? Get information from those you trust. Ask your
family physician, teacher, clergy member, or family and friends who know of
various mental health professionals. If those sources fail, you can look in the
Yellow Pages
of your local phone book under "psychiatrists"
(usually a subheading under "physicians"), "psychologists",
"psychotherapists", "social workers" or
"counselors". The heading, "Social
Service Organizations," may give sources of help for more specific
problems. If you call the APA (1-800-964-2000) or get them online at apa.org,
they can lead you to state or local referral services for your area. Help
yourself now by talking to someone who can help!