Barriers to mental health help-seeking among older adults with chronic diseases

ObjectiveOlder adults often delay seeking professional help, particularly for mental health problems. This is of great concern for older adults with chronic diseases, who are at risk of mental health declines. This study explored barriers to help-seeking among older adults with chronic diseases and identified factors that influence older adults' perceptions of such barriers.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study with 106 adults >= 65 years, diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and/or type 2 diabetes. Demographic variables and barriers to help-seeking were measured using self-report questionnaires.ResultsThe most common barriers to help-seeking were wondering whether the mental health problem is significant enough to warrant treatment (51.9%) and not having a regular primary health care provider to speak with (39.6%). Participants who had sought help in the past had less endorsement of these barriers than those who had never sought help.ConclusionsMany older adults with chronic diseases have difficulties knowing when to seek help, and apprehensions about disclosing mental health concerns. Integrated intervention is needed involving the community (e.g., reduce stigma), older adults with chronic diseases (e.g., increase mental health literacy), and physicians (e.g., increase training in ageing and mental health) to alleviate common barriers to help-seeking in this population. What is already known about this topic:Adults aged 65 years and older with chronic diseases are at risk of mental health problems.Many older adults do not seek mental health help or delay seeking help, thus mental health problems often go undiagnosed and untreated.Attitudes and beliefs towards help-seeking influence whether older adults are willing to engage mental health-related services.What this topic adds:The most common barriers to mental health help-seeking among older adults with chronic diseases are perceived need and fears around disclosing mental health concerns.Past use of mental health services, gender, marital status, number of chronic diseases, and quality of life influence perceived barriers to mental health help-seeking.Greater education for older adults and primary health care providers to increase mental health literacy and reduce stigma is likely to alleviate barriers to care and increase mental health help-seeking in this population.