🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 102 (from laksa043)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa102.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/news\/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking","crawl_time":1769383567,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"edu,harvard!hms,hcp,\/news\/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking s443","src_root_hash":"2971912334127662702","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Mental Illnesses are Common, but Care is Lacking | Health Care Policy","meta_descriptions":["If you’re fighting a nasty cough, you’re likely to tell your friends that you’ve caught a minor cold. However, there’s a chance you won’t tell them about the depression symptoms you’ve been experiencing in the last few months. Mental illnesses, while just as frequent as the common cold, are more rarely discussed, diagnosed, and treated."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"If you’re fighting a nasty cough, you’re likely to tell your friends that you’ve caught a minor cold. However, there’s a chance you won’t tell them about the depression symptoms you’ve been experiencing in the last few months. Mental illnesses, while just as frequent as the common cold, are more rarely discussed, diagnosed, and treated.\n“No one would be shocked if we learned that 99% of people had a physical illness during their life,” McNeil Family Professor of Health Care Policy\nRonald C. Kessler\ntold\nBrigham Health Magazine\n. While physical ailments seem much more common, Kessler notes that “we’ve all had the common cold of mental illness”.\n“Many people who have just broken up with a  boyfriend or girlfriend will meet the criteria for major depression,” Kessler said, although they probably won’t require treatment such as psychotherapy. This “common cold” mental illness may pass, but it’s important to recognize if these symptoms are pointing towards a more serious illness. Many people ignore their symptoms as they are afraid to be stigmatized. Nearly 60% of people with mental illnesses did not seek treatment last year. \nAlthough mental illness is widespread- 25% of adults in developed countries experience significant mental health problems each year- the treatment is outdated and lacking. Kessler says that mental disorders are treated as acute, episodic ailments instead of chronic illnesses.\n“We’re waiting for the equivalent of a heart attack- the suicides, the overdoses, or violent outbursts- to occur before we do anything,” Kessler told Brigham Health. As it deals with a vast variety of disorders affecting the body’s most complex organ, mental health treatment has taken longer to advance than other medical fields. Mental illnesses prove tricky to treat because it is so hard to pinpoint exactly what to do; treating a mental illness is not as simple as taking cold medicine. There isn’t an equivalent catchall treatment like a statin or cholesterol pill.\nHalf of all mental illnesses begin to show symptoms by age 14. Children develop anxieties and phobias, which can be warning signs of more severe illnesses. However, stigma surrounds treating mental illness even in children and increases in adulthood. Funding and awareness for childhood and adult cancers are abundant, yet this enthusiasm wanes when it comes to mental illnesses. One bipolar patient noted that when she expressed shame about her diagnosis, her therapist pointed out that she would not feel ashamed of receiving a cancer diagnosis or being diagnosed as a diabetic.\nOn top of stigma, lack of availability and options for treatment add to the obstacles. Over the past six years, the number of people seeking emergency mental health care at the Brigham increased by over 1,000. Many people admitted with other complaints are dealing with underlying mental disorders. However, mental health departments in hospitals are grossly short on beds. Patients may wait days in the emergency department in hopes that an inpatient bed opens. Unfortunately it’s common that patients are discharged from the ED without receiving the treatment they need because no inpatient beds are available. \nTogether, the Brigham Health community is working together to help end the stigma around mental illness and open up gateways to modern, effective treatment options.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/news\/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking#main-content)\n\n## Mobile Main Navigation\n- [About](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about)\n  - [The Origins of HCP](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/origins-hcp)\n  - [HCP Today](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/hcp-today)\n  - [Events](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/events)\n  - [Employment Opportunities](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/employment-opportunities)\n  - [Contact HCP Staff](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/contact-hcp-staff)\n  - [Getting to HCP](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/getting-hcp)\n  - [HCP Intranet](http:\/\/hcpweb.hcp.med.harvard.edu\/ \"HCP Intranet\")\n- [News](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/news \"News\")\n- [People](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/people \"HCP Faculty and Staff\")\n- [Publications](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/publications \"Publications\")\n- [Research & Data](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data)\n  - [Center for Healthcare Data Analytics](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/center-healthcare-data-analytics)\n  - [Health Care Systems](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/health-care-systems)\n  - [Specific Populations and Conditions](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/specific-populations-and-conditions)\n  - [Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approaches](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/theoretical-foundations-and-methodological-approaches)\n- [Education](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education)\n  - [Courses](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/courses)\n  - [Seminars and Lectures](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/seminars-and-lectures)\n  - [Department Programs](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/department-programs)\n  - [Seidman Program](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/seidman-program)\n- [Podcast Library](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/news-events\/media\/podcast-library)\n\n## Mobile Utility Navigation\n- [Harvard Medical School](https:\/\/hms.harvard.edu\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/hero-images\/HMS_HCP_Logo.svg)](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/ \"Home\")\n\nMenu\n\n## Utility Navigation\n- [Harvard Medical School](https:\/\/hms.harvard.edu\/)\n\nSearch\n\n## Main navigation\n- [About](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about)\n  - [The Origins of HCP](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/origins-hcp)\n  - [HCP Today](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/hcp-today)\n  - [Events](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/events)\n  - [Employment Opportunities](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/employment-opportunities)\n  - [Contact HCP Staff](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/contact-hcp-staff)\n  - [Getting to HCP](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/about\/getting-hcp)\n  - [HCP Intranet](http:\/\/hcpweb.hcp.med.harvard.edu\/ \"HCP Intranet\")\n- [News](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/news \"News\")\n- [People](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/people \"HCP Faculty and Staff\")\n- [Publications](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/publications \"Publications\")\n- [Research & Data](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data)\n  - [Center for Healthcare Data Analytics](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/center-healthcare-data-analytics)\n  - [Health Care Systems](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/health-care-systems)\n  - [Specific Populations and Conditions](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/specific-populations-and-conditions)\n  - [Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approaches](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/research-data\/theoretical-foundations-and-methodological-approaches)\n- [Education](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education)\n  - [Courses](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/courses)\n  - [Seminars and Lectures](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/seminars-and-lectures)\n  - [Department Programs](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/department-programs)\n  - [Seidman Program](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/education\/seidman-program)\n- [Podcast Library](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/news-events\/media\/podcast-library)\n# Mental Illnesses are Common, but Care is Lacking\nLauren Jett\n\nNovember 5, 2019\n\n![Pictogram of human brain made up of words related to mental health](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/media\/mind-544404_960_720.png)\n\nIf you’re fighting a nasty cough, you’re likely to tell your friends that you’ve caught a minor cold. However, there’s a chance you won’t tell them about the depression symptoms you’ve been experiencing in the last few months. Mental illnesses, while just as frequent as the common cold, are more rarely discussed, diagnosed, and treated.\n\n“No one would be shocked if we learned that 99% of people had a physical illness during their life,” McNeil Family Professor of Health Care Policy [Ronald C. Kessler](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/people\/ronald-c-kessler) told [Brigham Health Magazine](https:\/\/magazine.brighamandwomens.org\/features\/entitled-to-hope). While physical ailments seem much more common, Kessler notes that “we’ve all had the common cold of mental illness”.\n\n“Many people who have just broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend will meet the criteria for major depression,” Kessler said, although they probably won’t require treatment such as psychotherapy. This “common cold” mental illness may pass, but it’s important to recognize if these symptoms are pointing towards a more serious illness. Many people ignore their symptoms as they are afraid to be stigmatized. Nearly 60% of people with mental illnesses did not seek treatment last year.\n\nAlthough mental illness is widespread- 25% of adults in developed countries experience significant mental health problems each year- the treatment is outdated and lacking. Kessler says that mental disorders are treated as acute, episodic ailments instead of chronic illnesses.\n\n“We’re waiting for the equivalent of a heart attack- the suicides, the overdoses, or violent outbursts- to occur before we do anything,” Kessler told Brigham Health. As it deals with a vast variety of disorders affecting the body’s most complex organ, mental health treatment has taken longer to advance than other medical fields. Mental illnesses prove tricky to treat because it is so hard to pinpoint exactly what to do; treating a mental illness is not as simple as taking cold medicine. There isn’t an equivalent catchall treatment like a statin or cholesterol pill.\n\nHalf of all mental illnesses begin to show symptoms by age 14. Children develop anxieties and phobias, which can be warning signs of more severe illnesses. However, stigma surrounds treating mental illness even in children and increases in adulthood. Funding and awareness for childhood and adult cancers are abundant, yet this enthusiasm wanes when it comes to mental illnesses. One bipolar patient noted that when she expressed shame about her diagnosis, her therapist pointed out that she would not feel ashamed of receiving a cancer diagnosis or being diagnosed as a diabetic.\n\nOn top of stigma, lack of availability and options for treatment add to the obstacles. Over the past six years, the number of people seeking emergency mental health care at the Brigham increased by over 1,000. Many people admitted with other complaints are dealing with underlying mental disorders. However, mental health departments in hospitals are grossly short on beds. Patients may wait days in the emergency department in hopes that an inpatient bed opens. Unfortunately it’s common that patients are discharged from the ED without receiving the treatment they need because no inpatient beds are available.\n\nTogether, the Brigham Health community is working together to help end the stigma around mental illness and open up gateways to modern, effective treatment options.\n\n[![Harvard Medical School](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/themes\/shared\/harvardmedical\/images\/footer-logo.svg)](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/)\n\n[Facebook](http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HarvardMed\/) [linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/harvard-medical-school\/) [instagram](http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/HarvardMed\/) [youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/harvardmedicalschool)\n\n180 Longwood Avenue  \nBoston, MA 02115  \n(617) 432-3333\n\n## Footer\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/accessibility.harvard.edu\/)\n- [Digital Accessibility](https:\/\/accessibility.huit.harvard.edu\/digital-accessibility-policy)\n- [HCP Research Submissions](https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/c9umFJ9eN3)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/hms.harvard.edu\/privacy-policy)\n\n## User account menu\n- [Log in](https:\/\/hcp.hms.harvard.edu\/user\/login)\n\n© 2026 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College","attrs_readable_markdown":null,"meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 months ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	2.8 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking
Last Crawled	2026-01-25 23:26:07 (2 months ago)
First Indexed	not set
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Mental Illnesses are Common, but Care is Lacking \| Health Care Policy
Meta Description	If you’re fighting a nasty cough, you’re likely to tell your friends that you’ve caught a minor cold. However, there’s a chance you won’t tell them about the depression symptoms you’ve been experiencing in the last few months. Mental illnesses, while just as frequent as the common cold, are more rarely discussed, diagnosed, and treated.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	If you’re fighting a nasty cough, you’re likely to tell your friends that you’ve caught a minor cold. However, there’s a chance you won’t tell them about the depression symptoms you’ve been experiencing in the last few months. Mental illnesses, while just as frequent as the common cold, are more rarely discussed, diagnosed, and treated. “No one would be shocked if we learned that 99% of people had a physical illness during their life,” McNeil Family Professor of Health Care Policy Ronald C. Kessler told Brigham Health Magazine . While physical ailments seem much more common, Kessler notes that “we’ve all had the common cold of mental illness”. “Many people who have just broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend will meet the criteria for major depression,” Kessler said, although they probably won’t require treatment such as psychotherapy. This “common cold” mental illness may pass, but it’s important to recognize if these symptoms are pointing towards a more serious illness. Many people ignore their symptoms as they are afraid to be stigmatized. Nearly 60% of people with mental illnesses did not seek treatment last year. Although mental illness is widespread- 25% of adults in developed countries experience significant mental health problems each year- the treatment is outdated and lacking. Kessler says that mental disorders are treated as acute, episodic ailments instead of chronic illnesses. “We’re waiting for the equivalent of a heart attack- the suicides, the overdoses, or violent outbursts- to occur before we do anything,” Kessler told Brigham Health. As it deals with a vast variety of disorders affecting the body’s most complex organ, mental health treatment has taken longer to advance than other medical fields. Mental illnesses prove tricky to treat because it is so hard to pinpoint exactly what to do; treating a mental illness is not as simple as taking cold medicine. There isn’t an equivalent catchall treatment like a statin or cholesterol pill. Half of all mental illnesses begin to show symptoms by age 14. Children develop anxieties and phobias, which can be warning signs of more severe illnesses. However, stigma surrounds treating mental illness even in children and increases in adulthood. Funding and awareness for childhood and adult cancers are abundant, yet this enthusiasm wanes when it comes to mental illnesses. One bipolar patient noted that when she expressed shame about her diagnosis, her therapist pointed out that she would not feel ashamed of receiving a cancer diagnosis or being diagnosed as a diabetic. On top of stigma, lack of availability and options for treatment add to the obstacles. Over the past six years, the number of people seeking emergency mental health care at the Brigham increased by over 1,000. Many people admitted with other complaints are dealing with underlying mental disorders. However, mental health departments in hospitals are grossly short on beds. Patients may wait days in the emergency department in hopes that an inpatient bed opens. Unfortunately it’s common that patients are discharged from the ED without receiving the treatment they need because no inpatient beds are available. Together, the Brigham Health community is working together to help end the stigma around mental illness and open up gateways to modern, effective treatment options.
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking#main-content) ## Mobile Main Navigation - [About](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about) - [The Origins of HCP](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/origins-hcp) - [HCP Today](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/hcp-today) - [Events](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/events) - [Employment Opportunities](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/employment-opportunities) - [Contact HCP Staff](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/contact-hcp-staff) - [Getting to HCP](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/getting-hcp) - [HCP Intranet](http://hcpweb.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ "HCP Intranet") - [News](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news "News") - [People](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/people "HCP Faculty and Staff") - [Publications](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/publications "Publications") - [Research & Data](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data) - [Center for Healthcare Data Analytics](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/center-healthcare-data-analytics) - [Health Care Systems](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/health-care-systems) - [Specific Populations and Conditions](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/specific-populations-and-conditions) - [Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approaches](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/theoretical-foundations-and-methodological-approaches) - [Education](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education) - [Courses](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/courses) - [Seminars and Lectures](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/seminars-and-lectures) - [Department Programs](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/department-programs) - [Seidman Program](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/seidman-program) - [Podcast Library](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news-events/media/podcast-library) ## Mobile Utility Navigation - [Harvard Medical School](https://hms.harvard.edu/) [![](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/hero-images/HMS_HCP_Logo.svg)](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/ "Home") Menu ## Utility Navigation - [Harvard Medical School](https://hms.harvard.edu/) Search ## Main navigation - [About](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about) - [The Origins of HCP](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/origins-hcp) - [HCP Today](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/hcp-today) - [Events](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/events) - [Employment Opportunities](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/employment-opportunities) - [Contact HCP Staff](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/contact-hcp-staff) - [Getting to HCP](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/about/getting-hcp) - [HCP Intranet](http://hcpweb.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ "HCP Intranet") - [News](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news "News") - [People](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/people "HCP Faculty and Staff") - [Publications](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/publications "Publications") - [Research & Data](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data) - [Center for Healthcare Data Analytics](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/center-healthcare-data-analytics) - [Health Care Systems](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/health-care-systems) - [Specific Populations and Conditions](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/specific-populations-and-conditions) - [Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approaches](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/research-data/theoretical-foundations-and-methodological-approaches) - [Education](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education) - [Courses](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/courses) - [Seminars and Lectures](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/seminars-and-lectures) - [Department Programs](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/department-programs) - [Seidman Program](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/education/seidman-program) - [Podcast Library](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news-events/media/podcast-library) # Mental Illnesses are Common, but Care is Lacking Lauren Jett November 5, 2019 ![Pictogram of human brain made up of words related to mental health](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media/mind-544404_960_720.png) If you’re fighting a nasty cough, you’re likely to tell your friends that you’ve caught a minor cold. However, there’s a chance you won’t tell them about the depression symptoms you’ve been experiencing in the last few months. Mental illnesses, while just as frequent as the common cold, are more rarely discussed, diagnosed, and treated. “No one would be shocked if we learned that 99% of people had a physical illness during their life,” McNeil Family Professor of Health Care Policy [Ronald C. Kessler](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/people/ronald-c-kessler) told [Brigham Health Magazine](https://magazine.brighamandwomens.org/features/entitled-to-hope). While physical ailments seem much more common, Kessler notes that “we’ve all had the common cold of mental illness”. “Many people who have just broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend will meet the criteria for major depression,” Kessler said, although they probably won’t require treatment such as psychotherapy. This “common cold” mental illness may pass, but it’s important to recognize if these symptoms are pointing towards a more serious illness. Many people ignore their symptoms as they are afraid to be stigmatized. Nearly 60% of people with mental illnesses did not seek treatment last year. Although mental illness is widespread- 25% of adults in developed countries experience significant mental health problems each year- the treatment is outdated and lacking. Kessler says that mental disorders are treated as acute, episodic ailments instead of chronic illnesses. “We’re waiting for the equivalent of a heart attack- the suicides, the overdoses, or violent outbursts- to occur before we do anything,” Kessler told Brigham Health. As it deals with a vast variety of disorders affecting the body’s most complex organ, mental health treatment has taken longer to advance than other medical fields. Mental illnesses prove tricky to treat because it is so hard to pinpoint exactly what to do; treating a mental illness is not as simple as taking cold medicine. There isn’t an equivalent catchall treatment like a statin or cholesterol pill. Half of all mental illnesses begin to show symptoms by age 14. Children develop anxieties and phobias, which can be warning signs of more severe illnesses. However, stigma surrounds treating mental illness even in children and increases in adulthood. Funding and awareness for childhood and adult cancers are abundant, yet this enthusiasm wanes when it comes to mental illnesses. One bipolar patient noted that when she expressed shame about her diagnosis, her therapist pointed out that she would not feel ashamed of receiving a cancer diagnosis or being diagnosed as a diabetic. On top of stigma, lack of availability and options for treatment add to the obstacles. Over the past six years, the number of people seeking emergency mental health care at the Brigham increased by over 1,000. Many people admitted with other complaints are dealing with underlying mental disorders. However, mental health departments in hospitals are grossly short on beds. Patients may wait days in the emergency department in hopes that an inpatient bed opens. Unfortunately it’s common that patients are discharged from the ED without receiving the treatment they need because no inpatient beds are available. Together, the Brigham Health community is working together to help end the stigma around mental illness and open up gateways to modern, effective treatment options. [![Harvard Medical School](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/themes/shared/harvardmedical/images/footer-logo.svg)](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/) [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/HarvardMed/) [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/school/harvard-medical-school/) [instagram](http://www.instagram.com/HarvardMed/) [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/harvardmedicalschool) 180 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 432-3333 ## Footer - [Accessibility](https://accessibility.harvard.edu/) - [Digital Accessibility](https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/digital-accessibility-policy) - [HCP Research Submissions](https://forms.office.com/r/c9umFJ9eN3) - [Privacy Policy](https://hms.harvard.edu/privacy-policy) ## User account menu - [Log in](https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/user/login) © 2026 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College
Readable Markdown	null
Shard	102 (laksa)
Root Hash	2971912334127662702
Unparsed URL	edu,harvard!hms,hcp,/news/mental-illnesses-are-common-care-lacking s443