Mental health - why different from physical urgency?

Imagine this: you trip and break your arm. Without a second thought, you rush to hospital. Now, picture yourself feeling persistently anxious, overwhelmingly sad or battling a low mood for weeks. 

Ironically, the urgency to seek help diminishes, despite the discomfort being just as real. Why is it that physical health emergencies prompt immediate action, while mental health issues are often met with hesitation and delay?

This discrepancy in our approach to health care is not just a matter of personal choice, but a reflection of broader societal attitudes and misunderstandings about mental health. As a therapist, I have seen numerous clients who have waited too long before seeking help, often exacerbating their mental health challenges. The reasons for this delay are complex and multifaceted.

I want to delve into the psychological, societal and systemic factors that contribute to this delay in seeking mental health support. Let's explore how stigma, lack of awareness, prioritisation of physical health over mental well-being and barriers to accessing care play a role. The aim is not just to understand why this delay occurs, but also to empower individuals to seek timely support and to encourage a societal shift towards a more balanced view of health.

Understanding the hesitation

The journey to seek mental health support often starts long after symptoms emerge, unlike the immediacy seen in physical health care. This delay can be attributed to several factors:

Stigma and misconceptions

Mental health still carries a stigma in many societies. People fear being labelled, judged or misunderstood. They often harbour misconceptions about what it means to have a mental health issue, leading to denial or shame.

Lack of awareness

Recognising the signs of mental health issues can be challenging. Unlike a broken bone, symptoms of mental health problems are not always apparent or universally understood. This lack of awareness can lead to a delay in seeking help.

Prioritising physical health

Society often prioritises physical health over mental health. This disparity can lead individuals to downplay their mental health concerns or view them as less urgent.

Access and availability of resources

Access to mental health resources can be limited. Financial constraints, lack of local funding or geographical barriers can prevent people from seeking help.

How can we prioritise mental health?

As a therapist, I’ve observed firsthand the impact of delayed mental health support. Here are some insights and tips:

• Normalising mental health: It's crucial to normalise mental health conversations. Just as one would not hesitate to discuss a physical ailment, talking about mental health should be equally acceptable.
• Early intervention: Encourage early intervention. Recognising signs and seeking help early can prevent symptoms from worsening and lead to more effective treatment.
• Building support systems: Creating a supportive environment is vital. Friends, family and community can play a significant role in encouraging individuals to seek help.
• Education and awareness: Increased awareness and education about mental health can help dispel myths and reduce stigma. Workshops, seminars and media campaigns can play a pivotal role in this.

The path to seeking mental health support should be as straightforward and stigma-free as seeking help for a physical injury. By understanding the barriers, normalising mental health conversations and utilising available resources, we can encourage more individuals to seek timely help. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.