Public Opinion Strategies conducted a national telephone survey in January 2015 regarding Americans attitudes about mental health on behalf of The Kennedy Forum. The survey results show Americans believe mental health conditions are a serious public health problem and changes need to be made to the way we are handling mental health conditions in the United States today.
More than one-third of Americans (37%) report being affected by mental health conditions, either themselves or someone in their household. This equates to more than 89 million adults, which shows the size, scope and impact of mental health conditions today (figure is based on 2013 U.S. Census Bureau adult population estimates).
- Women (44%) are more likely than men (30%) to report being affected by mental health conditions.
Nearly all Americans (96%) believe that mental health conditions are a serious public health problem in the United States today. Two-thirds (66%) believe mental health conditions are a “very serious” public health problem.
- Majorities of Republicans (59%), Independents (63%), and Democrats (73%) think mental health conditions are a “very serious” public health problem.
- Both women and men believe mental health conditions are a “very serious” public health problem, though women (74%) are more concerned than men (57%).
The majority of Americans support (71%) making “radical” or “significant” changes to the way we are handling mental health conditions in the United States today.
- Republicans (64%), Independents (71%), and Democrats (76%) are in agreement about the need for “radical” or “significant” change to the way we are handling mental health conditions today.
- We asked respondents who support changing the way we are handling mental health conditions the following open-ended question: “Please tell me some of the reasons why you said the current way we are handling mental health conditions in this country needs (inserted response – radical, significant, or some change). What specifically do you think needs to change?”
- The main reason respondents say they support changes to the way we are handling mental health conditions is that they believe there are not enough adequate treatment options available today. They suggest increasing funding for mental health and increasing the number of facilities able to handle mental health patients so treatment is made available to everyone who needs it. In addition, they also suggest expanding education of health care professionals about mental health which may lead to more accurate and earlier diagnoses.
- Respondents also mention the need to better address the mental health conditions of our veterans, ensuring they receive adequate treatment.
- There is a concern among these respondents that mental health is stigmatized in our society today, so people who need help do not seek out the treatment they need. They say there is a need to combat the stigma and educate the public on the seriousness of mental health conditions.
- More than seven in ten Americans (74%) believe that physical health is treated with greater importance than mental health in our current health care system. Only 16% of Americans believe that mental and physical health are treated with equal importance in our current health care system. This perception further demonstrates the need for change in how mental health is handled in our health care system today.
- Respondents were asked: “Do you think that mental health and physical health are treated with equal importance in our current health care system?” Respondents who said “no” were asked to specify which they felt was treated with more importance.
16% Yes, Mental and physical health are treated with equal importance 74% No, Physical health is treated with more importance 6% No, Mental health is treated with more importance 4% Don’t Know
- Respondents were asked: “Do you think that mental health and physical health are treated with equal importance in our current health care system?” Respondents who said “no” were asked to specify which they felt was treated with more importance.
Overall, these survey results show it is time to address the state of mental health in the United States.
Methodology: Public Opinion Strategies conducted a national telephone survey of N=800 registered voters (land lines + cells). The survey was conducted from January 14-18, 2015. The margin of error for this survey is +3.46%.
