Individual Paper(s)
Mental health literacy, stigma and help seeking in response to three different mental health disorders: A study of Irish adolescents
Éadaoin Clogher
University of Ulster
Background: The
majority of adolescents experiencing mental health difficulties do not seek
help. Stigma and low levels of mental health literacy are the primary barriers
to help seeking.
Aims: This
study sought to evaluate current levels of mental health literacy and
stigmatising attitudes displayed by Irish adolescents.
Method: To achieve this, 59
adolescents were presented with a self-report questionnaire which assessed
their responses to three vignettes representing depression, psychosis, and an
adjustment disorder.
Results: Depression
was rated as only moderately serious and mainly informal sources of help were
suggested. Younger adolescents expressed significantly higher levels of stigma
towards each disorder than their older peers.
Conclusions: Irish adolescent’s lack of
appreciation of the seriousness of clinical depression should be addressed as a
matter of urgency when considered in the context of increasing rates of youth
suicide.
