What is it about?
This review looks at the latest research on what makes it easier or harder for teens to ask for help with common mental health problems such as, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. It explores both professional supports, like doctors and therapists, and informal support, like friends and family. It examines programs designed to encourage young people to reach out when they need help. It will also look at whether age or gender affects how likely someone is to seek support.
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Why is it important?
Mental health issues are more common in young people than in any other stage of life, with up to 1 in 5 teenagers experiencing a mental health condition. Depression is the most common mental health condition in teens, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds. Struggling with mental health at a young age can have serious effects on a person’s future, making it harder to reach their personal goals. Many teens facing these challenges experience isolation, stigma, and difficulty accessing support. Worryingly, many adolescents with mental health issues do not seek professional help, often due to a reluctance to ask for support. Past research has looked at how young people seek help for mental health issues, but it has some gaps. Some studies only focus on specific problems like depression or self-harm, while others are old and may not reflect the current situation. Also, little research has been done on ways to encourage young people to reach out for support when they need it.
Perspectives
I think this is an important topic as how people respond to mental health problems can have an impact on future help-seeking. Young people often express concerns that people may be unable to help them if they reach out for support. These concerns are valid, as many parents, carers, teachers, and healthcare and social care professionals also share a sense of unease when faced with these situations. It was important for us to explore what interventions were available out there to help address these issues. I hope you find the article interesting and helpful.
Dr Sarah Rowe
University College London
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: What Are the Barriers, Facilitators and Interventions Targeting Help-Seeking Behaviours for Common Mental Health Problems in Adolescents? A Systematic Review, FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, January 2025, American Psychiatric Association,
DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.25023003.
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