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Stigma about depression and its impact on help-seeking intentions
Lisa J Barney1, Kathleen M Griffiths, Anthony F Jorm
1Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. lisa.barney@anu.edu.au
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|January 13, 2006
Summary
Stigma surrounding depression significantly impacts help-seeking behaviors. Addressing self-stigma and perceived stigma is crucial for encouraging individuals to seek professional mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Professional help-seeking for depression is often hindered by stigma.
- Stigma encompasses both self-stigma and perceived stigma from others.
- Understanding these beliefs is key to improving mental health support access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate community help-seeking intentions for depression.
- To examine stigmatizing beliefs associated with seeking help for depression.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 1,312 randomly sampled Australian adults.
- Measures included depression vignettes, self- and perceived-stigma, help-seeking intentions, and depressive symptoms.
- Demographic data were also collected.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of participants expressed embarrassment about seeking professional help.
- Many anticipated negative reactions from others and professionals regarding help-seeking.
- Self-embarrassment and perceived negative reactions from others predicted reduced professional help-seeking.
Conclusions:
- Stigmatizing beliefs about depression help-seeking are common in the community.
- These beliefs are directly linked to reluctance in seeking professional support.
- Interventions should target reducing negative self-perceptions and external stigma, with a focus on younger demographics.