Public education for mental health: Revisiting its intervention potential

Abstract

It is well known that public knowledge about mental illnesses is not at an expected level, and misinformation and stigma continue to be commonplace. These factors have a negative impact on appropriate and timely help seeking, adherence to treatment, and consequently on the clinical outcomes. There are robust public education materials and resources available through various platforms, such as the print and electronic media and the Internet. In fact, there is information overload, and a considerable proportion of the information is inaccurate, unscientific, and unreliable. Considering this, there is a need for appropriate guidance to be provided by the mental health professionals to the patients, caregivers, and general public. Public education for mental health is not only helpful but is also an effective intervention that is not adequately used. It should be actively encouraged and practiced routinely. This may improve the mental health literacy of the general public; the help seeking, engagement, and adherence of the patients with the treatment process would possibly be better, and these may help the intervention and outcome of mental illnesses.