Mental Help-Seeking Barriers among Young Adults in Tertiary Education in Malaysia

Nurman Shah Nuwawi; Zamzaliza Abdul  Mulud; Rizki Fitryasari

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10i34.7361

Authors

Nurman Shah Nuwawi Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Zamzaliza Abdul Mulud Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Rizki Fitryasari Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i34.7361

Keywords:

Young Adults, Professional Mental Health Services, Depressive Symptoms, Mental Help-Seeking

Abstract

While depression is highly associated with adverse consequences, mental health professional services are still underutilised by young adults. Thus, this qualitative study aims to explore the barriers to professional mental help-seeking among young adults with depression symptoms while seeking help for their mental health concerns. Through reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts, the study found (1) expression problem; (2) attitude; (3) fear; (4) presence of alternative support; (5) mental health literacy (MHL); and (6) instrumental barrier as perceived barriers for young adults while seeking help from mental health professionals (MHP).

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