Mind If We Talk? – Bonus Episode: Why Are So Few People in Therapy?

Hosted by BetterHelp

In this compelling bonus episode of Mind If We Talk?, BetterHelp dives deep into the paradox of widespread recognition of the benefits of therapy versus the surprisingly low participation rates. Hosted by licensed therapist Sreela Roy Green, the episode explores the multifaceted barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the mental health support they deserve, despite acknowledging its importance.

1. The Paradox of Belief vs. Action

Sreela Roy Green opens the discussion by highlighting a striking discrepancy revealed in BetterHelp’s State of Stigma report. The survey, encompassing over 16,000 participants across 23 countries, uncovers that:

• 74% of respondents worldwide agree that seeking therapy is wise for maintaining mental well-being.
• Despite this, only 27% of individuals in the United States are currently engaged in therapy, with an even lower 16% participation rate in the United Kingdom.

“Nearly three out of every four respondents surveyed worldwide agree that it's wise for people to seek support to maintain well being, but only 27% of people in the United States are actually in therapy,” [00:02] Sreela explains, underscoring the heart of the stigma that exists between belief and action.

2. Stigma and Societal Barriers

The conversation delves into how societal attitudes significantly deter individuals from seeking therapy. Despite recognizing its benefits, many feel discouraged by societal norms and stigmas.

• Sreela notes, “Nearly 6 in 10 say that societal attitudes discourage people from seeking mental health help,” [00:02].
• Common internalizations among clients include thoughts like, “I should be able to handle this” or “Other people have it worse,” which further inhibit them from seeking assistance.

3. Generation Z: The Pioneers with Emotional Contradictions

Generation Z stands out as the most vocal about mental health, actively engaging in conversations on social media and advocating for openness. However, they also grapple with significant emotional contradictions regarding therapy.

• Statistics Highlighted:
  • 37% of Gen Z perceive seeking counseling as a sign of mental weakness, compared to 27% of older generations [00:02].
  • Among Gen Z individuals in therapy:
    • 37% feel their therapist doesn’t understand them.
    • 33% lack trust in their therapist.
    • 34% are not fully forthcoming during sessions.

“They’re showing up, but they’re not sure therapy is showing up for them,” [05:00] Sreela observes, pointing to a critical need for therapy to evolve in response to Gen Z’s unique expectations.

4. What Gen Z Seeks from Therapy

To address these gaps, Sreela explores what Gen Z is looking for in therapy that traditional approaches haven't fully provided:

• Victoria Wren, a UK-based therapist, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and validation in therapeutic interactions.
• “Therapy is for the client, not for the therapist,” [09:00] Victoria asserts, underscoring the need for therapists to adapt their language and methods to align with Gen Z’s expectations.
• The focus should be on creating a safe, open, and authentic environment, where therapy is a collaborative and empowering process rather than a prescriptive one.

5. The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Social media plays a complex role in shaping perceptions of mental health:

• Usage Statistics:
  • 20% of people globally spend over four hours a day on social media.
  • 1 in 4 feel more comfortable discussing their mental health online than in therapy.

“People who heavily use social media are almost twice as likely to feel judged for seeking therapy,” [07:30] Sreela points out the paradox where social platforms provide visibility and community but also amplify fears of judgment and misconceptions about therapy’s effectiveness.

• Implications:
  • While online venting can offer temporary relief, it often acts as a band-aid rather than a solution.
  • Algorithmic diagnosis and self-diagnosis based on online content can lead to confusion and misinformation, detracting from genuine therapeutic support.

“Healing doesn’t happen in comments or captions. It happens in the quiet, intentional work of being heard,” [08:30] Sreela emphasizes the indispensable role of therapy in true emotional healing.

6. Environmental and Socioeconomic Barriers

Access to therapy is heavily influenced by one's living situation and socioeconomic status:

• Privacy Concerns:

  • US Statistics: Only 36% of individuals living with older generations feel they have a private space for therapy.
  • Individuals in shared or small living spaces often cannot speak freely, hindering their ability to engage in therapy.

• Socioeconomic Factors:

  • Time, money, and emotional bandwidth are significant barriers.
  • Single parents, those juggling multiple jobs, or individuals in survival mode find it challenging to prioritize therapy.

“Stigma doesn't live in isolation. It's braided into people's realities,” [10:00] Sreela articulates how practical constraints compound societal stigmas, creating formidable obstacles to accessing mental health care.

7. UK Context: Insights from Victoria Wren

In the latter part of the episode, Victoria Wren joins Sreela to shed light on the UK’s unique mental health landscape:

• Cultural Shifts:
  • 74% in the UK believe mental health should be treated like physical health.
  • 67% are comfortable sharing personal feelings with a therapist, surpassing continental Europe’s 56%.

“What can prevent people stepping towards therapy can kind of boil down to the fear of the unknown,” [12:23] Victoria explains, highlighting that unfamiliarity and fear of judgment are primary deterrents despite cultural progress.

• BetterHelp’s Role:
  • The online platform offers a discreet and accessible avenue for therapy.
  • “With BetterHelp, if the client isn't happy with a therapist, then they can always switch and that's completely okay,” [13:29] Victoria notes, emphasizing the flexibility and empowerment online therapy provides.

8. The Courage to Seek Help and Self-Compassion

The episode underscores the profound courage required to seek therapy and the importance of self-compassion:

• Courage and Vulnerability:

  • “Asking for help is a sign of courage,” [17:12] Sreela affirms, countering the misconception that seeking therapy is a weakness.
  • Vulnerability is essential for growth, yet societal norms often discourage it.

• Therapist’s Role:

  • Therapists provide a safe space and supportive environment, allowing clients to do the inner work needed for healing.
  • “Therapy doesn't fix everything, but it's a way to learn how to fix things for yourself,” [06:00] Sreela clarifies the transformative potential of therapy.

9. Breaking Down Stigma Through Conversation

Concluding the episode, Sreela and Victoria emphasize the importance of open dialogues in dismantling stigma:

• Normalizing Therapy:

  • “Every time we talk about this stuff, we shift the culture just a little,” [21:00] Sreela encourages listeners to share their experiences, thereby loosening stigma's grip.

• Empowerment through Choice:

  • “The empowerment to choose your path is an incredible way of putting it,” [22:00] Victoria adds, highlighting the autonomy individuals have in their therapeutic journeys.

• Final Takeaway:

  • The universal need for support and the shared courage to seek help can drive cultural change.
  • “If you ever hesitated to reach out or worried what someone might think if they knew you were struggling, I want you to know you're not alone,” [20:37] Sreela reassures listeners, reinforcing that seeking help is a collective journey towards a more compassionate society.

Conclusion

This episode of Mind If We Talk? serves as a poignant reminder of the barriers—both societal and personal—that hinder individuals from seeking therapy. Through insightful discussions and expert perspectives, BetterHelp elucidates the complex interplay between stigma, cultural norms, and practical obstacles. By fostering open conversations and advocating for accessible, authentic, and compassionate mental health care, the podcast empowers listeners to take the courageous step towards healing and self-compassion.

If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it to help break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health. Explore the rest of the series to gain further insights into navigating real-life challenges with the support of mental health professionals.

Key Quotes:

• “Nearly three out of every four respondents surveyed worldwide agree that it's wise for people to seek support to maintain well being, but only 27% of people in the United States are actually in therapy.” [00:02]
• “They’re showing up, but they’re not sure therapy is showing up for them.” [05:00]
• “Asking for help is a sign of courage.” [17:12]
• “Healing doesn’t happen in comments or captions. It happens in the quiet, intentional work of being heard.” [08:30]
• “If you ever hesitated to reach out or worried what someone might think if they knew you were struggling, I want you to know you're not alone.” [20:37]

Mind If We Talk? continues to foster meaningful conversations around mental health, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being and support others in their journey.