The psychological help-seeking experience of adolescents with mood disorders:a qualitative study
10.3761/j.issn.0254-1769.2025.08.008
- VernacularTitle:青少年心境障碍患者心理求助体验的质性研究
- Author:
Ziyi ZHANG
1
;
Bing DU
1
;
Jinzhi ZHANG
1
;
Min YIN
1
Author Information
1. 730000 兰州市 兰州大学护理学院
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Mood Disorder;
Adolescents;
Psychological Help-Seeking;
Qualitative Research;
Experience;
Psychological Nursing
- From:
Chinese Journal of Nursing
2025;60(8):947-953
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective The study explored the psychological help-seeking experiences of adolescents with mood disorder,so as to provide references for healthcare professionals to carry out relevant interventions to facilitate adolescents'early access to mental health services.Methods A qualitative research was adopted,and 14 adolescents with mood disorder admitted to a tertiary hospital in Lanzhou City from December 2023 to March 2024 were interviewed by semi-structured interviews.The data was analyzed by Colaizzi seven-step method.Results 3 themes were extracted,including long and tortuous help-seeking journey(maladaptive coping,continuous exploration of informal help-seeking behavior,formal help-seeking for crisis-triggered or needs-driven),the psychological experience intertwining struggles and expectations(disappointment at not being taken seriously,helplessness at not being understood,expectation of more understanding and support),barriers to help-seeking(lack of knowledge,difficulties with self-disclosure,lack of trust,negative attitudes encountered when seeking informal help,negative experiences during formal help-seeking).Conclusion Adolescents with mood disorder experienced a long and tortuous journey while seeking help,faced with numerous barriers along the process,and desired to be understood and supported.Healthcare professionals should collaborate with families,schools,and other resources,to improve adolescents'mental health literacy and establish a robust social support system,so as to provide reliable support for adolescents with mood disorder in accessing professional mental health services.
