Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Mental illness stigma, help seeking, and public health programs.
Claire Henderson1, Sara Evans-Lacko, Graham Thornicroft
1Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK. aire.1.henderson@kcl.ac.uk
American Journal of Public Health
|March 16, 2013
Summary
Large-scale anti-stigma campaigns may increase mental illness help seeking. Addressing knowledge gaps and discrimination fears is crucial for improving treatment access for mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Public Health Initiatives
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Over 70% of individuals with mental illness globally do not receive professional healthcare.
- Treatment delays are linked to lack of mental illness knowledge, access barriers, and stigma.
- Stigma and discrimination fears deter individuals from seeking timely mental health support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the effectiveness of anti-stigma campaigns.
- To assess if public health interventions can increase mental health help-seeking behaviors.
- To understand the impact of stigma reduction on treatment access.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing research.
- Analysis of studies on large-scale public health campaigns.
- Evaluation of factors influencing mental health treatment seeking.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests anti-stigma campaigns can positively influence help-seeking.
- Reducing prejudice and discrimination fears is key to improving mental healthcare access.
- Increased public awareness correlates with higher rates of individuals seeking treatment.
Conclusions:
- Anti-stigma campaigns show promise in encouraging individuals to seek mental health care.
- Targeted interventions can mitigate barriers related to stigma and knowledge deficits.
- Public health strategies are vital for improving mental illness treatment engagement globally.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:28Self-Help Support Groups
Self-help support groups are voluntary, community-based organizations that provide a platform for individuals with shared concerns to exchange support, insights, and practical strategies for coping with life challenges. Typically led by group members or paraprofessionals, these groups form a cornerstone of mental health care, especially in reaching populations that are underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
01:25Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
A model is a theoretical way to understand a concept or an idea. Models can overcome barriers to health regardless of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. In addition, models make the task easier by providing different ways to approach complex issues. There are two major health promotion models: the health belief model and the health promotion model.
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...