Final answer:
False, Older adults today are not necessarily more likely to seek help from mental health professionals first due to cultural attitudes, stigma, and a lack of understanding about services.
Step-by-step explanation:
False. Older adults today are not more likely to seek help from a mental health professional when faced with a mental health problem compared to other sources such as primary care physicians or family.
Despite the increasing awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues, there are persistent barriers such as cultural attitudes, stigma, and a lack of understanding about mental health services that can prevent older adults from reaching out to mental health professionals.
Moreover, historical challenges such as cultural mistrust, especially among minority groups, impact the likelihood of seeking specialized mental health care.
Studies like Jang, Chiriboga, & Okazaki (2009) have highlighted age group differences in attitudes toward mental health services, which can affect help-seeking behavior. The growing need for mental health services is evident from recent increases in demand, as reported during the pandemic that began in 2020, where there has been a significant rise in the number of Americans seeking help for mental health concerns.
Unfortunately, many institutions, including colleges, have found themselves ill-equipped to handle this increased demand, leading to incidents where students seeking counseling could not secure appointments with college staff. This highlights the importance of adequate staffing to provide necessary mental health services to those in need.