Understanding and addressing barriers to mental health care

Eleven years. That’s the average amount of time that passes from when a person first experiences mental health symptoms and when they get treatment.

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re taking a look at common barriers that keep people from getting support, and how EAP resources could help overcome those barriers.

Lack of awareness or education

Be able to recognize when you or the people in your life need support. Signs that a person is struggling with mental health can include:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks.
• Trying to harm or end one’s life, or making plans to do so.
• Severe, out-of-control, risk-taking behavior that causes harm to self or others.
• Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or difficulty breathing.
• Significant weight loss or gain.
• Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real.
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
• Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality or sleeping habits.
• Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still.
• Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait — get help. Did you know that EAP services are available for you and your household adult family members? Visit our employee webpage to learn about EAP counseling and submit a request.

It’s also important to know that you do not need to be in crisis or have a mental health concern to use EAP services. The EAP can help with other issues too, like workplace relationships or parenting strategies.

Stigma

Stigma is when you have a negative view or stereotype of others or yourself because of a characteristic or trait. It can cause you to judge others, or yourself, unfairly. To see if you have misconceptions that might stigmatize yourself or others, check out this 10-question test from Made of Millions.

Stigma often prevents people from getting help because they’re afraid of what others will think of them. They might also feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. The Mayo Clinic recommends these steps for counteracting stigma:

• Get treatment. Don’t let fear stop you.
• Don’t let stigma create self-doubt, shame, or isolation.
• Get educated and connected with others.
• For children, find out what plans and programs may help at school.
• Speak out against stigma. Make getting help normal and OK, for yourself and others.

Having trouble getting started? Reach out to the EAP.

Lack of access to points of care

People sometimes have difficulty accessing mental health care because of finances, transportation, scheduling, broadband internet access, or availability of mental health care providers. EAP benefits could help overcome some of these barriers.

At no cost to you, the EAP offers confidential support that is expert, caring, and culturally competent for you or adult family members in your household. EAP counselors can also help connect you to helpful resources in your area that you may not know about.

Your medical insurance may also have options. Employees with Kaiser can access mental health and addiction care services without a referral, and employees with Regence Uniform have access to Quartet. Video or phone telehealth options may be available.

Inequity

Studies indicate that racial disparities in mental health and access to care are real concerns. The EAP has been working to reduce these barriers for the employees we serve.

Nancy Board, MSW, EAP Clinical Services Manager, supervises the greater network of contracted EAP providers throughout the state. “When I came to our EAP in 2018, I made it my goal to diversify our network,” said Nancy. “We expanded providers identifying as non-white from 12 percent to 32 percent in 18 months. And we looked for those who shared our commitment to equity and inclusion, particularly in working with under-represented and marginalized groups. Representation matters.”

Nancy authored a feature article on this achievement for the International Employee Assistance Professionals Association’s Journal of Employee Assistance. “Nancy’s efforts to build diversity throughout the EAP provider network have been so crucial,” said Darrow Brown, Program Director of the Washington State EAP. “People need to feel trust, to feel like, ‘I can use EAP because someone like me is there.’”

Subscribe to the EAP employee newsletter to get articles and updates by email.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees and their household adult family members. EAP provides counseling and other resources to support well-being, address workplace concerns, and help with legal and financial issues. Reach out to EAP online or call 877–313–4455. To find out if the Washington State EAP serves your agency or organization, contact your supervisor or human resources department.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience. The Employee Assistance Program and the Department of Enterprise Services do not endorse the content, services, or viewpoints found at these external sites. Information is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the counsel or advice of a qualified health or legal professional. For further help, questions, or referral to community resources for specific problems or personal concerns, contact the EAP or other qualified professional.