Mental Health Issues and Mental Illness – Public Survey Results

Mental health issues are crucial to the overall wellness of every human being. With over a year of constant isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic, public mental health has taken on a lot of pressure. These mental health issues include experiencing stress, insomnia, depression, uncontrollable rage, suicidal impulses, and some addictions.

Several causes can affect every individual’s mental health. While there are many factors, the most common ones are financial problems, physical health problems, family-related problems, work or business-related problems, relationship problems, and more.

With this, Real Research conducted a survey to find out the public perception of mental health issues.

Highlights

• Nearly 50% of the participants have been treated by mental health professionals or institutions because of mental health issues.
• The majority (24.26%) expressed that financial problems among other reasons are the main causes of mental illness.
• 30% of the respondents said what keeps them from getting professional help, despite their suffering, is fear of others learning about their condition.
• Additionally, more than 54% acknowledged that mental health checkups are crucial. Meanwhile, 51.80% think mental checkups should be performed once a year.
• The results show that the majority prefers visiting hospitals or clinics for checkups. More so, victims of a disaster, an accident, a crime, and their families should be given priority on mental health examination

Around 50% Have Been Treated for Mental Health Issues

The results from the Real Research survey revealed that 48.85% of the respondents have been treated by mental health professionals or institutions because of mental health issues. This figure is nearly half of the respondents, meaning that there is quite a large number of people suffering from mental health issues.

Hence, this calls for a need inaccessible mental health checkup institutions or professionals. 51.15% of the respondents noted that they have never gone for mental health treatments. In the distant past, mental health was treated poorly as it was mainly believed to be demonic possession. However, now the system is quite open and conducive.

Mental health facilities are now located in more areas than before. This is why we have nearly 50% of the participants getting treated for mental health issues.

Financial Strains Are the Major Causes of Mental Health Issues

Real Research went on to ask the participants what they think are the major causes for mental health issues. Interestingly, the majority which comprises 24.26% of the respondents expressed that financial problems among other reasons are the main causes of mental illness.

Following after were physical health-related problems with 22.75%. Another cause for mental illness stated in the response by 19.91% is work or business-related problems.

9.40% said family or relatives-related problems while 5.71% noted that relationship-related problems were the causes of mental health issues. This shows that people react differently to situations. For some, it is money that causes mental suffering the most. Meanwhile for other respondents work problems have more effects leading to mental health disorders. 

Fear Keeps People From Getting Mental Health Checkups

Almost 30% of the respondents said what keeps them from getting professional help despite their mental suffering is fear of others learning about their condition. People with a mental disorder have once or often faced social stigma or discrimination.

Also, employees do not reveal their mental health issues as they fear that they might jeopardize their jobs. This makes the condition worse, more so, it makes people fear getting mental health checkups from professionals. Thus, people prefer not to disclose their mental health issues.

Furthermore, 21.15% expressed that the treatment costs kept them from getting professional help. From addiction to dementia to schizophrenia, almost 1 billion people worldwide suffer from a mental disorder.

The costs involved in mental health care are many and can involve social services, primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The diversity of medical services and healthcare providers can increase the cost of treatments required.

16.50% of the participants said they did not want to worry others. 8.79% noted that they were not sure the help would do much good. Additionally, 4.02% said there are no people or hospitals around them to ask for help. 

54% Indicated That Mental Checkups are Crucial

Additionally, more than 54% acknowledged that mental health checkups are crucial. Unfortunately, many people think of mental health checkups when there is a problem or a symptom. A mental health checkup can identify potential mental health issues or stressors early on before they grow into a full-blown clinical condition.

In addition, treatment is usually easier in the earlier stages of a problem. That is why most respondents are in support of mental health checkups. Just like chronic medical conditions such as arthritis or asthma, it’s helpful to check on mental health symptoms to make sure you’re doing ok.

Meanwhile, 51.80% think mental health checkups should be performed once a year. This will help them identify the types of mental health issues they may be facing before it becomes too serious. Moreover, 24.04% suggest that mental health checkups should be performed every two years. Additionally, 12.60% think that they should be performed every three years. Lastly, 11.56% think that mental health checkups should be conducted every 5 years.

Majority Opt for Hospitals or Clinics for Checkups

The results show that the majority 41.10% of survey participants prefer visiting hospitals or clinics for mental health examinations. This gives countries around the world the obligation to develop their mental health hospitals and clinics due to the preference and high demand from people for getting examined professionally.

As technology continues to advance, 26.62% of the respondents prefer remote examinations via computer or smartphones for mental health issues. Even more, 18.45% expressed that they would opt for mental health professionals visiting homes, schools, or workplaces. Compared to the rest, 13.82% believe that mental health regular checkups are unnecessary.

Real Research survey results show that victims of a disaster, an accident, a crime, and their families should be given priority on mental health examinations.

Following after are people with low income. There has been increasing concern about the impact of the global economic recession on mental health after the world was hit by the covid-19 pandemic. Low levels of household income are associated with several lifetime mental disorders.

A low household income is associated with an increased risk of mental illness due to financial strains. 14.40% noted that workers or employees should be a priority for mental health examinations. Meanwhile, 13.39% said teenagers (middle school-high school students) should be given the priority

This Real Research survey has shown that mental health issues are a major concern among the general public. Nearly half of the respondents have been treated for mental health issues.  Mental health is integral to living a healthy, and balanced life.

As the majority of respondents note, mental health checkups should be performed once a year.

Our mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. This means it impacts how we feel, think, and behave each day.