A new review highlights the persistent issue of low mental health support-seeking among adolescent boys and young men, despite rising rates of mental health concerns within this group. The research, which looked at various studies on help-seeking behaviours in young males aged 14–22, underscores the impact of social and personal factors on mental health service usage. According to the findings, published in the journal European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, young men’s reluctance to seek help contributes to concerning trends in mental health, including a disproportionately high rate of suicide.
Social norms around masculinity remain a significant factor discouraging young men from seeking support. Many adolescent boys feel that seeking help conflicts with societal expectations of self-reliance and emotional restraint. For young men from certain communities, these pressures are even more pronounced, with respondents reporting an expectation to appear strong and independent. In many cases, self-stigma intensifies these effects, as young men may see their mental health struggles as personal failure.
The study also points to a lack of accessible and age-appropriate information as a barrier to help-seeking. While mental health literacy has improved across broader populations, the review notes that young men may lack adequate information about mental health issues and treatment options. Misunderstandings about conditions such as anxiety and depression often deter young men from viewing mental health services as relevant to their needs.
Experts suggest that addressing these challenges will require targeted strategies, including the creation of mental health campaigns designed specifically for young men. Using less stigmatising language, promoting “mental fitness” as a concept, and employing male role models to communicate these messages could make support services more accessible and reduce stigma.
Informal sources of support, such as friends, family, and online communities, remain a preference among young men. Although more accessible, these sources do not provide professional intervention, and many young men fear judgement when disclosing personal issues, even to those closest to them. The findings suggest that normalising help-seeking and increasing trust in mental health services could encourage young men to pursue formal support earlier.
The researchers advocate for more accessible and tailored support services to address this persistent disparity in mental health service usage. By focusing on the unique needs of adolescent boys and young men, future strategies may increase early intervention and reduce the risk of severe mental health outcomes.
