Stigma surrounding mental illness has historically been a significant barrier to seeking help and treatment for many individuals. The fear of judgment, discrimination, and misconceptions about mental health can prevent people from reaching out for support. While public awareness and understanding of mental health have improved over the years, stigma may still persist in some communities and cultural contexts.
The actual number of people who avoid seeking help due to stigma can be challenging to quantify precisely, as it involves self-reporting and can vary depending on different factors such as region, culture, and changes in societal attitudes toward mental health.
Efforts are being made to reduce mental health stigma and promote mental health awareness, but it remains an ongoing challenge. To get more accurate and up-to-date information on the prevalence of mental health stigma and its impact on help-seeking behaviors, it is best to refer to studies, reports, or surveys conducted by reputable mental health organizations and government agencies.