Exploring Young Adults' Mental Health Help‐Seeking Journey: Preliminary Findings on Resource Navigation Behavior

Abstract

ABSTRACTYoung adults are among the most vulnerable populations susceptible to mental health concerns, yet they encounter various barriers in accessing resources and obtaining necessary support and treatment. While prior research has predominantly focused on technology utilization in mental health help‐seeking, a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals navigate the broader landscape of available resources is crucial. To address this gap, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 18 young adults to explore their lived experiences and resource navigation during the mental health help‐seeking process. Guided by the Social‐Ecological Framework, our study categorized the resources utilized by young adults into four categories: technological, interpersonal, community‐based, and societal. Through thematic analysis, we report preliminary findings that identify specific characteristics of resources that young adults value and prioritize throughout their help‐seeking journey. These findings provide implications for designing multi‐level mental health resources and interventions to facilitate young adults' help‐seeking. We also discuss methodological considerations to encourage in‐depth conversations with marginalized groups on sensitive topics like mental health, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe, non‐judgmental space for participants to share their experiences openly.