The Relationship between Mental Health Awareness and Social Stigma on Help Seeking Attitudes among Young Adults

Abstract

While mental health issues are rising each day globally despite of which there has been a low rate when it comes to professional help seeking among the younger adults. A quantitative approach was used; standardized scales were used to measure the following variable. Statistical analyses, such Pearson’s correlation and linear regression, were done to see whether there was a direct or indirect effects of awareness on help seeking behaviour. The results from this study revealed that just by having knowledge about mental health is not sufficient enough to bridge the treatment gap; rather, the "social toll" of seeking help remains a significant barrier that outweighs diagnostic knowledge. The study contributes to the growing body of literature by, highlighting that current educational campaigns may unintentionally play a role in increasing the fear of labelling if they are not accompanied by aggressive normalization and anti-stigma initiatives. These findings focus on the need for a paradigm shift from "information-only" campaigns, to peer-led, contact-based interventions that break down the structural walls of stigma. In the end is focus on explaining even the most aware generation still dose struggle to seek help, in addition offers ways to improve the support system.