Young adult mental health : an explanatory sequential mixed methods study aimed at understanding stigma and help-seeking behaviors.

Young adults with mental illness who experience stigma often do not seek help for their mental illness, which can have dire consequences. Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (2020) show that the 18–25 age group is where the most recorded mental health issues occur (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020). Reports pertaining to the 18–25 age bracket state that only 42% of those with mental health issues received mental health services or less than half of those suffering sought help (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020). Stigma regarding mental illness remains a prevalent issue and barrier to help-seeking. Additionally, culture and gender can be barriers to young adults seeking help for their mental illness. I conducted this explanatory sequential mixed methods study in three phases. I collected data in the first phase via an online survey to understand the help-seeking behaviors of young adults concerning mental illness, and I analyzed the data by gender. A survey that included the Value Based Stigma Inventory (VASI) provided a measurement of stigma. The mean stigma score of the survey was 19.72, indicating a lower level of stigma than presented in the literature review. The qualitative data collection phase consisted of five interviews with women participants of various cultures to understand the experiences implications of seeking help for mental illness. The final phase of the research was utilizing the qualitative responses to better understand the measurement obtained in the quantitative data. The findings of the study indicate that while the measurement of stigma is moderate among the young adult population surveyed, most of those who have a mental illness still experience and witness stigma. Treatment, both medicinal and therapeutic, is seen in a positive light by all participants and is not required on an ongoing basis but is a vital tool in managing their mental health. Continued education regarding mental illness and help-seeking is critical to the young adult population.