Britons are turning to unconventional sources for emotional support, such as hairdressers, shopkeepers, personal trainers, and even their pets, as per a survey of 2,000 adults. The study shows that 75% of participants rely on these informal confidants for a mental health boost, with nearly 20% finding comfort in sharing with colleagues or managers at work.
Despite the comfort these non-traditional outlets provide, a survey by BetterHelp indicates that almost half (49%) still struggle to cope, suggesting that informal support systems may not always suffice. BetterHelp’s ‘State of Stigma’ report earlier this year highlighted that while 25% of people don’t consider their issues serious enough for professional therapy, 49% find it challenging to access formal support.
Obstacles to seeking formal therapy include stigma (37%) and limited provider availability (21%). Joanne Saulter, a therapist accredited by BACP, noted that while confiding in trusted individuals like hairdressers or colleagues can provide temporary comfort, they may not always have the expertise to address deeper emotional challenges.
The study also revealed that 44% of adults would be more open to trying therapy if they could easily and confidentially switch therapists, especially among the 18 to 24 age group (63%). Additionally, two-thirds of participants expressed a willingness to seek professional therapy if paired with a non-judgmental, convenient, and empathetic therapist—qualities often found in their informal counselors.
The top reasons for turning to these unconventional sources included trust, ease of communication (16%), and understanding (16%). However, data from OnePoll.com shows that 27% of individuals over 65 have never felt the need to confide in anyone, while men are 33% more likely than women to believe therapy may not benefit them.
To bridge the gap between individuals and effective mental health support, BetterHelp has introduced its Therapist Match Commitment, utilizing member preferences and a data-driven matching algorithm to connect users with suitable therapists.
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