Understanding and acknowledging mental disorders as a serious health issue is the first step toward seeking professional psychological help. Despite the growing awareness of mental health, many Bulgarians still hesitate to seek help due to stigma, lack of resources, or ignorance.
What do the statistics say about mental health worldwide?
According to recent research, a significant percentage of the population experiences symptoms related to mental disorders, but only 25% of them actively seek specialized psychological help. The statistics paint a concerning picture, highlighting the need for understanding and addressing this issue. The latest statistics are more than alarming:
- About 27% of people aged 18-65 in Europe have suffered or are suffering from depression, anxiety, or stress in the past year.
- During COVID-19 in Eastern Europe, 30% of people suffered from anxiety, and 27% from depression.
- Each year, 38.2% of Europe’s population suffers from a mental disorder, which means 164.8 million affected individuals. The most common disorders include anxiety disorders (14.0%), insomnia (7.0%), major depression (6.9%), and somatoform disorders (6.3%). The statistics clearly outline the urgent need for action to raise awareness and improve access to psychological help.
But where do we start? Understanding that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, is the first step and a key moment in overcoming this societal issue.
Factors contributing to the lack of seeking psychological help
Several factors influence the low percentage—only 25%—of people who actively seek psychological help. Social stigmas associated with mental illness play a significant role in many people’s refusal to seek professional help. These stigmas are negative stereotypes and prejudices that society imposes on people with mental health issues. Here are some of the main reasons why social stigmas may prevent seeking psychological help:
Fear of labeling
People often fear that if they admit to their mental health problems, they might be labeled as „crazy,“ „unstable,“ or „incompetent.“ This can lead to the loss of personal and professional connections, as well as social isolation.
Impact on professional life
Many people believe that admitting to mental disorders could negatively affect their careers. They fear losing their jobs, missing out on promotion opportunities, or facing discrimination in the workplace.
Ignorance and misunderstanding
Stigmas are often fueled by ignorance and misunderstanding of mental illnesses. People may believe in myths and misconceptions, such as the idea that mental illness results from poor upbringing or weak character, which leads to a refusal to seek psychological help.
Lack of trust
Some people may not seek psychological help because they fear the treatment won’t be effective or that they will be treated with insufficient respect by specialists.
Overcoming social stigmas is a key component in improving access to psychological help and is important for building a healthier society.
When should we seek psychological help?
Seeking psychological help is an important step toward maintaining good mental health. It’s essential to know when it’s the right time to seek professional help. Here are some key signals that may guide you toward that decision:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or despair
- Anxiety that interferes with your daily activities
- Emotional reactions that seem excessive or inappropriate
- Behavioral changes such as isolation or excessive aggression
- Sleep or eating problems
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Using alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism
Seeking psychological help is a sign of strength and a step toward recovery and better mental health. There’s nothing wrong or shameful in taking care of your peace of mind.
Sometimes only a professional with knowledge and experience can guide you to the answers to the questions you ask yourself every day. And all that’s required of you is to gather the courage to seek their help and trust them. Trust them in the name of… your health!
Book a professional consultation here or by phone: +971 588 802 676 or +359 893 956 575!
