Self-reported Barriers to Professional Help Seeking Among College Students at Elevated Risk for Suicide |
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| Authors: | Ewa K. Czyz MS Adam G. Horwitz BA Daniel Eisenberg PhD Anne Kramer LMSW Cheryl A. King PhD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychiatry and University of Michigan Depression Center, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan;2. Department of Psychology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan;3. Department of Health Management and Policy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan;4. Department of Psychiatry , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Objectives: This study sought to describe self-reported barriers to professional help seeking among college students who are at elevated suicide risk and determine if these barriers vary by demographic and clinical characteristics. Participants: Participants were 165 non–treatment seekers recruited as part of a Web-based treatment linkage intervention for college students at elevated suicide risk (from September 2010 through December 2011). Methods: Data were collected using Web-based questionnaires. Two coders coded students’ responses to an open-ended question about reasons for not seeking professional help. Results: The most commonly reported barriers included perception that treatment is not needed (66%), lack of time (26.8%), and preference for self-management (18%). Stigma was mentioned by only 12% of students. There were notable differences based on gender, race, and severity of depression and alcohol abuse. Conclusions: Efforts aimed at reaching students at elevated risk for suicidal behavior should be particularly sensitive to these commonly described barriers. |
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| Keywords: | barriers help seeking mental health qualitative suicide risk |
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