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Epidemiological studies suggest that young people might have a tendency to avoid help when they experience symptoms of psychological distress. There is growing evidence that many young people prefer no help from anyone for their mental health problems. The current study examined the association between symptoms of general psychological distress and intentions to seek help from friends, family and professional mental health sources in a sample of 109 trade (TAFE) students from regional and rural Australia. Participants were 67% male and aged from 15–25 years. Higher levels of general psychological distress symptoms were associated with stronger intentions to not seek help from anyone and weaker intentions to seek help from friends and family for mental health problems. The variable ‘negative beliefs about treatment’ was also associated with a stronger intentions to not seek help and weaker intentions to seek help from mental health professionals. Help-avoidance in relation to symptoms of general psychological distress and beliefs about mental health treatment is discussed, together with suggestions for encouraging appropriate and effective help-seeking in young people.
Coralie J Wilson (Sun,) studied this question.