The Role of Mental Health Literacy in Shaping Help-Seeking Behaviors among High School Students in Vietnam

Background: Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, are becoming more common among high school students, yet cultural stigma and inadequate mental health literacy impede effective help-seeking in Vietnam. Adolescents sometimes encounter obstacles in identifying mental health issues and obtaining suitable resources, particularly in environments where professional services are inadequate and mental health is stigmatized. Purpose: This study aims to address the comprehension of mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviors among Vietnamese high school students. Methods: The study involved 422 high school students from four cities in Vietnam. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) and Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) were employed to evaluate mental health awareness and behavior, with data processed utilizing SPSS version 22.0. Result: Students exhibited the greatest awareness of bipolar disorder (M = 4.43, SD = 0.844). Students experience a moderate to high level of anxiety when they become aware of potential mental health issues (M = 3.50, SD = 1.296). In order of priority, students actively seek information about mental health professionals (M = 3.88, SD = 0.645). Students are highly critical and thoughtful in comparing different sources of advice before deciding on a mental health strategy (M = 4.27, SD = 0.925). Students are slightly more likely to participate in these programs compared to other formal mental health resources (M = 1.44, SD = 0.469). Some students turn to online communities for support and guidance in managing their mental health issues (M = 1.63, SD = 0.483). Conclusion: This investigation underscores numerous critical developments in the mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviors of students in high schools. Students exhibited a deliberate approach to evaluating mental health resources and a strong awareness of bipolar disorder.