Adolescents' Voice on Help-Seeking Behavior for Mental Health Problems: A Qual Inquiry of Kagayanon Senior High School

• Main Authors: Go, Ezekiel Timothy L., Lauro, Kriselle Franz B., Nakamura, Misaki O., Paclar, Russell Boyd M., Saculingan, Melin D., Tagalongan, Brett Arman P.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: help-seeking behavior; mental health; mental health problems; professional help; senior high school student
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2022/paper_fnh/2; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1039&context=conf_shsrescon
• Institution: De La Salle University

Mental health problems have been rising over the years. Even adolescents are not exempt due to physical, social, and emotional changes that adolescents experience during the unique and formative period. Unfortunately, suicide cases in Cagayan de Oro are increasing drastically, especially during the onset of the pandemic, leading the city Mayor to direct some government officials in addressing the problems of suicide. However, studies and literature discussed that many individuals, including adolescents, show reluctance to seek professional help for their mental health problems despite the need to improve their well-being. This study aims to understand the students' help-seeking behavior and explore the underlying reasons for their reluctance to seek professional help. Twelve students participated in an in-depth interview, and the researchers utilized the descriptive-observational research design. Findings reveal that some factors contributing to the students' reluctance to seek professional help when experiencing mental health problems are Personal Fear and Distress, Preference for Self-Help or Internal Resources, and Preference for Family or Friend's Help. Students also cope with mental health problems through Isolation, Emotional Distraction, Physical Distraction, Avoidance, and Emotional Support from Significant Persons/People. Moreover, Self-Improvement, Serious Mental Health Conditions, Encouragement from the Support System and External Environment, Preconceptions of Patient-Mental Health Professional Relationships, and Financial Capability are contributing factors that will encourage students' help-seeking behavior.