The survey also shows that only 60% know who to turn to in case of difficulty, even though 85% understand that mental health affects daily life and can be treated. Less than 50% believe that it is possible to recover from serious mental disorders, a perception that weakens the motivation to seek treatment and creates a feeling of despair.
The findings also show that the main barriers to seeking help were: about half of the respondents (50%) did not feel that they “need enough” help. A quarter of them (25%) thought they could handle it alone. About 10% did not believe that the treatment would be effective. Other barriers included financial cost, long waiting times and lack of information. In addition, community services such as urban centers, help lines and associations were almost never used, which indicates, in the opinion of the survey editors, a lack of awareness of existing contact routes.
Despite the gap in practice, 85% understand that mental health affects everyday life. 75% identify psychological or medicinal treatment as effective. The findings also show that 80% feel that they can identify difficulty themselves. However, only 68% feel they know how to recognize warning signs in others. 70% reject the idea that psychotherapy is a “weakness”, but only 42% feel that psychotherapy should not have been hidden.
“The survey data puts a clear picture in front of all of us: we are operating in a challenging reality that requires a change of attitude. This is not a problem of lack of awareness, there is awareness,” warned Gila Tulov, co-founder and CEO of Collective Nesat – “the problem is that there is a lack of clarity, confidence and a course of action. People know what they feel, they understand that treatment can help, and still if they don’t apply.”
According to her, in order to change the existing situation, emotional barriers must be removed and people must be given simple, humane and practical access to help. “Our mission is to move the public from understanding to action,” she further stated.