The influence of contact with mental health services on carers’ help-seeking attitudes: contribution of stigma and affective state

Abstract

Background Carers who experience stigma and aversion to help-seeking could have a detrimental impact on consumers of mental health services (MHS). Aim This study aimed to investigate the relationship between carers’ experiences with MHS, stigma, affective state and help-seeking attitudes. Methods Fifty-seven carers of people with a mental illness completed an online survey including demographics about the carer and consumer, carers’ experience with MHS, Days’ mental illness stigma scale, the inventory of attitudes towards seeking mental health services and the depression–happiness scale. Results Carer responses evenly reflected positive and negative experiences with MHS. There were significant correlations between experiences of MHS and stigma, attitudes towards help-seeking, and affective state. Carers who reported negative experiences of MHS demonstrated reduced help-seeking attitudes. Both stigma and affective state independently reduced the association between positive experiences of MHS and more positive help-seeking attitudes. When all three variables were included in the regression model, stigma was the only significant predictor of reduced help-seeking attitudes. Conclusions MHS must establish positive engagement with carers, as this is associated with positive help-seeking attitudes. Negative experiences of MHS exacerbate carer stigma. Positive interactions between MHS and carers likely facilitate better access to care for consumers and improve clinical outcomes.