Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness Limits Treatment

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are highly treatable. But, as many as 3 out of 4 people don't receive the care they need.

There is a stigma against mental illness and it can deter people from seeking treatment.

This is an important issue because mental health problems are more common than you might think. In any given year, more than one in four US adults will be living with a mental disorder. Half of all American adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.

Researchers looked at nearly 150 studies encompassing more than 90,000 people. Shame, embarrassment, and fear of public judgment were some of the most common reasons people avoided treatment.

Don't let a stigma keep you from getting help.