One in ten think they need psychological help, but they…

Last year, researchers from the Public Mental Health chair of the University of Antwerp conducted a population survey among 1,205 people in the primary care zones of Antwerp-East and Baldemore (Balen, Dessel, Mol and Retie). “We check which people need psychological help and whether or not they get it enough,” says Prof. Kris Van den Broeck. “The results show that no less than 17 percent of Antwerp residents discussed psychological problems with a professional in the past year. However, this still appears to be insufficient. Many people with psychological problems experience barriers in seeking or obtaining help. A quarter of those who sought help also feel that they were not being helped enough.”

Most people spoke to their GP or psychologist, one in twelve went to a psychologist or psychotherapist from the private sector. Of the people who sought help, 6 percent were prescribed medication in the past year, in two thirds of the cases it was antidepressants.

Yet there is still a significant group who do not seek help for psychological problems, the scientists note. “One in ten indicated that they thought they needed help in the past twelve months, but did not contact a professional for this,” explains PhD student Eva Rens. “When asked about the reasons, the majority indicated that they prefer to solve problems themselves. One in four mentioned cost as a threshold and one in ten were concerned about the taboo that often accompanies psychological problems.”

The survey also included a short screening test to determine whether the proportion of the population may have a mental disorder. “Such tests do not provide a complete picture, but about one in five met the criteria for a possible psychological disorder,” says Van den Broeck. “Although mental disorders are about equally common in men and women, women in particular recognize that they have a mental health problem and need help for this.”

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