A Systematic Review of Mental Health Stigma and Help Seeking among College Students.

Abstract

Mental health issues are prevalent among college students in India. College students face the highest risk as per studies. The current chapter aimed to analyze the causes of stigma, factors affecting help seeking and possible interventions to combat stigma and induce seeking care. A comprehensive literature search was carried out. Data was gathered from Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus. The studies (45 sources) consisted of qualitative, quantitative, cross-sectional, systematic reviews, experimental, empirical papers, grey literature and interviews from professionals. Gender and prior exposure influence stigma and help seeking. Steps to reduce stigma among students include facilitating contact between the neurodivergent and neurotypical, phrases used with regards to mental health and contact based interventions. Stigma leads to reduced help seeking. Other factors that influence help seeking were fear of labels, victims blamed for their predicament, self-efficacy, distrust of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs), lack of mental health literacy, lack of accessibility, economic burden and denial. Introduction of mental health screening kiosks and Mentalhealth first aid was found to be positive step. There is a gap in the policies regarding mental health and their implementation. Proper allocation of funds for mental health initiatives in college campuses and conception of projects targeting students to promote mental health literacy and equip students to combat suicide have been elaborated upon.