Mental Health Screening Research Articles

Mental Health Symptoms and Substance Use After Recent Sexual Assault Based on Sexual Orientation

The current study examined differences in acute stress and depression symptoms, alcohol use, and drug use between sexual minority and heterosexual survivors in the weeks following a sexual assault. The sample included 26 sexual minority and 66 heterosexual survivors (N= 92, 94.4% cisgender women, 51.1% White, and 31.5% Black) who completed screening during a follow-up mental health service after receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination. Group differences on brief mental health and substance use screening measures were examined using χ2tests andttests. Sexual minority survivors reported higher acute stress symptoms and were more likely to report drug use in the past 2 weeks, but no differences in depression symptoms and alcohol use were found. Results highlight the need for increased research on sexual minority survivors’ unique experiences and needs following recent sexual assault.

Association of mental health treatment receipt with cancer screening among US adults with a history of anxiety or depression.

Low participation in cancer screening contributes to a disproportionate burden of cancer morbidity and mortality among adults with mental health (MH) disorders like depression and anxiety. It is unknown whether MH treatment affects screening participation in this population. Using the 2019 and 2021 National Health Interview Survey, data from screening-eligible respondents with a history of depression or anxiety were analyzed. Dependent variables include up-to-date screening for breast (BC), cervical (CVC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Exposures of interest included past year receipt of any MH treatment and delayed or nonreceipt of counseling because of cost. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model associations between MH treatment and screening, controlling for sociodemographic and health care access characteristics. The prevalence of up-to-date screening was lower for those who did not receive MH treatment than those who did among respondents reporting regular feelings of depression or anxiety (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=0.83; 95% CI,0.76-0.91 for BC; aPR=0.83; 95% CI,0.77-0.88 for CVC; aPR=0.78; 95% CI,0.73-0.84 for CRC) or ever being diagnosed with depression or anxiety (aPR=0.86; 95% CI,0.81-0.91 for BC; aPR=0.87; 95% CI,0.83-0.91 for CVC; aPR=0.84; 95% CI,0.80-0.88 for CRC). BC screening was lower for those who reported delayed or nonreceipt of therapy because of cost than those who did not (aPR=0.88; 95% CI,0.78-0.99 among adults with regular feelings of depression or anxiety; aPR=0.91; 95% CI,0.83-0.99 among adults ever diagnosed). MH treatment is associated with increased screening among adults with a history of depression or anxiety. Enhancing MH treatment receipt could reduce the cancer burden in this population.

Avertible filicide: a call to action for early intervention and mental health support in India.

Maternal filicide is a deeply distressing and potentially preventable phenomenon that demands priority attention. This study aims toshed light on the psychological, social and systemic factors contributing to maternal filicide. It calls for robust early intervention strategies and the establishment of comprehensive mental health support systems to mitigate the risk and prevent the occurence of such tragedies.. A detailed evaluation of a mother who committed filicide was undertaken The assessments included in-depth psychiatric evaluations, interviews with family members, review of the individual's medical history, prior social circumstances, and existing legal records. This comprehensive approach allowed for the identification of potential warning signs and gaps in intervention. Additionally, a review of existing literature and national frameworks related to maternal mental health was undertaken to contextualize the findings within the broader socio-cultural and healthcare landscape of India. The case highlights a complex interplay of untreated mental health disorders, social stigma, lack of accessible mental health services, and a failure to recognize warning signs by family members and professionals. The analysis reveals missed opportunities for intervention that might have prevented the act of filicide. Key contributing factors included postpartum mental health issues, socio-economic stressors, and inadequate social and legal support for the mother. This case underscores the need for systemic changes, including improved mental health screening during the perinatal period and the establishment of crisis intervention services. Maternal filicide is not solely a legal issue but also a multifaceted public health and social problem that warrants a multidisciplinary response. The findings emphasize the need for an integrated approach involving healthcare professionals, social workers, and law enforcement agencies to address the mental health challenges faced by mothers in distress. Early identification of at-risk individuals, destigmatization of mental health care, and the provision of timely interventions are pivotal in preventing such tragedies. This study underscores the urgency of implementing mental health policies that prioritize maternal mental health, enhance public awareness, and ensure the availability of accessible, culturally sensitive support systems for at-risk families.

Access to employee assistance programs and employee wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of employees in Southeast Asia

BackgroundThe average person spends 1/3 of their lives working. However, approximately 15% of working adults worldwide are struggling with a mental disorder at any given time. The COVID-19 pandemic has spearheaded the importance of employee mental health, highlighting the role that employers can play in preserving employee wellbeing. Although Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are slowly becoming an established practice, it is still a relatively new phenomenon in most of Asia. This study therefore aims to investigate the prevalence of employees in the Southeast Asian region who have access to EAPs and understand the relationship between EAP access and employee wellbeing.MethodsThis cross-sectional, online survey-based study involved 15,302 employees from Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam who completed the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS-21), Thriving from Work Questionnaire (TfWQ), and sociodemographic measures. Employee productivity and turnover intention was also measured as a secondary outcome. Hierarchical regression models were conducted to determine the influence of EAP access on employee wellbeing. Subgroup analyses were conducted on employees with access to EAPs to explore how different forms of EAP services contribute to employee wellbeing.ResultsOnly 29.04% of employees in the region reported being aware of having access to any forms of EAP services provided by their employers. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, access to EAP was significantly associated with improved mental health, thriving, and productivity, and reduced turnover intention (p < 0.001) among employees in the region. Subgroup analyses revealed that employees had access to well-being and mental health webinars, talks, or workshops (12.64%), followed by sponsored counselling, therapy or carelines (11.16%). Access to regular mental health risk assessment and screening was the form of EAP service significantly associated with the highest number of outcomes.ConclusionHaving access to EAP services alone is associated with improved employee wellbeing outcomes. However, different forms of EAP services can vary in their impact on employee wellbeing. Our findings suggest a need to improve accessibility and diversity of EAP offerings for employees in Southeast Asia post-pandemic.

Association of contraception use and pregnancy intention with perinatal depression risk among Omani mothers—a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundUnplanned pregnancy is significantly associated with an increased risk of perinatal depression (antenatal and postnatal depression), emphasizing its prevalence and its potentially detrimental effects on both maternal and child health. This study aimed to investigate the association of contraception use and pregnancy intention with the risk of perinatal depression among Omani mothers.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study design was employed to investigate perinatal depression risk in mothers attending antenatal health care services in Oman. Perinatal depression risk was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale during the third trimester and postpartum visits. Multiple linear regression analyses were utilized to explore relationships between the risk of perinatal depression and pregnancy-related factors, contraception use, and sociodemographic variables.ResultsThe study involved 300 participants with a mean age of 30.8 years (SD = 5.47). The majority of participants reported planned pregnancy (74.0%), no use of contraception (66.0%), and being multiparous (72.7%). A significantly higher proportion (87.8%) of women with planned pregnancies were primiparous (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Besides family structure (core family, p = 0.025) and monthly income (1,000 OMR or below, p = 0.021), mothers who were pregnant for the first time (p &amp;lt; 0.001), and those who were primiparous (p &amp;lt; 0.001) did not use contraception. The regression models showed a significant association between the antenatal and postnatal depression scores (p &amp;lt; 0.001, 95% CI 0.401–0.603) according to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that women with unplanned pregnancies warrant attention for early detection and preventive interventions, irrespective of their emotional stance. Incorporating routine mental health screening into perinatal care can facilitate early detection, and targeted interventions, contributing to improved maternal mental well-being.

Validity and Reliability of the Spanish Version of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire.

This study aims to provide data on the reliability and validity of an adapted Spanish version of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) when administered to Spanish athletes. A cross-sectional study was developed. Data were collected from 128 athletes (males n = 71; females n = 57). The tools used in this study were the APSQ; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine relative reliability, whereas standard error measurement and minimal detectable change were used to evaluate absolute reliability. Bland-Altman plots were employed to assess test-retest agreement and potential systematic bias. Data indicate that the Spanish version of the APSQ demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (α: .77-.85) and generally fair to good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: .702; 95% CI, .602-.780). Significant associations were found between the APSQ Spanish version and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (ρ = .64-.82), with fair to good agreement, whereas fair to moderate levels of agreement were established between the APSQ Spanish version and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (ρ = .53-.75). These results provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of the APSQ Spanish version for mental health screening among Spanish athletes. However, the lack of absolute reliability raises concerns about its utility for assessing the effects of interventions aimed at improving mental well-being.

Health Policy Changes to Ameliorate the Youth Mental Health Crisis.

Approximately 20% of American youth suffer from a mental health concern, and 80% have never received any services. In 2018, suicide became the second leading cause of death in children ages 10-14 years. Preventative care is freely provided by most medical insurance plans and recommended by state and professional organizations, but barriers prevent care access and early intervention, resulting in long-term consequences. To promote early identification and intervention, evaluation with validated mental health screening tools should be completed according to clinical guidelines at each wellness visit or visit for a mental health concern. Payers must sufficiently reimburse NPs, PCPs, and healthcare systems for screening tools used during all wellness visits, focused mental health visits, and follow-up care. Health policy change and legislative and NP support are essential to provide vital services for youth mental healthcare.

P-497. Performance of the Brief Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 Screeners for Identifying Depression and Anxiety in People with HIV

Abstract Background Mental health disorder (MHD) prevalence is high among people with HIV (PWH) and linked to poor health outcomes, including HIV non-suppression. Despite recommendations for routine mental health screening in HIV care settings, screening uptake remains low. The brief Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) are validated screeners for depression and anxiety symptoms with potential for integration into HIV care. This study evaluates the accuracy of the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 in detecting depression and anxiety among PWH and co-occurring MHD or substance use disorders (SUD). Methods Routine screening using the PHQ-2, GAD-2, and NIDA Quick Screen for SUD was implemented in an HIV care setting in Baltimore in April 2022. Patients who screened positive on any screener and enrolled in a study evaluating an intervention for SUD and MHD care were included in the analysis. Participants completed the longer PHQ-8 and GAD-7 screeners at enrollment, which served as reference standards using recommended cut points of ≥10 to indicate moderate or severe depression or anxiety, respectively. PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scores are derived from the first two questions of their corresponding longer measure. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were obtained for the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 at various cut points against their corresponding longer measure. Results Of the 204 patients included in this study, 68% were male, 80% were Black, and mean age was 51 years. Compared to the PHQ-8 using a cut point of ≥10, the PHQ-2 at the cut point of ≥3 demonstrated high accuracy in detecting depression at a cut point of ≥3 (AUC = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.91) with a sensitivity of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.89) and specificity of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.95). Compared to the GAD-7 using a cut point of ≥10, the GAD-2 was highly accurate in identifying anxiety at a cut point of ≥3 (AUC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86, 0.94), achieving a high sensitivity (0.89; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.95) and specificity (0.91; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.95). Conclusion In the context of HIV care in busy clinical settings, our findings indicate that implementation of the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 screeners accurately detect depression and anxiety symptoms at the optimal cut point of ≥3. Simplified identification and treatment of comorbid MHD may improve HIV outcomes. Disclosures Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia, MBBS ,MPH, Abbvie Inc: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant

The impact of universal mental health screening on stigma in primary schools

BackgroundPrimary school students struggling with mental health are less likely than high school students to access mental health care, due to barriers such as mental health stigma and low mental health literacy among children and parents. The near universal reach of schools offers a potential avenue to increase access to mental health care through early identification. The potential risks of this approach also need to be understood. This study monitored the impact of universal screening for mental health symptoms on stigma and mental health outcomes for primary school students.MethodsAcross 6 primary schools, a cluster randomised controlled trial allocated schools to one of two conditions. Conditions varied based on the order and frequency of symptom and stigma questionnaires. A sample of 798 children (8 to 13 years; Mage = 10.29) completed assessments at baseline, 6-week, and 12-week follow-ups.ResultsSignificant time-by-group interaction effects were present, indicating differing changes in mental health stigma between groups. Follow-up analyses of subscales showed significant time-by-group interaction effects for concerns around self-stigma and secrecy, but not for public stigma. The frequency and presentation order of the questionnaires impacted on mental health stigma. Initially, children reporting on mental health symptoms before stigma, reported heightened stigma, but over time, those receiving more frequent presentations of the symptom check experienced an overall stigma reduction, contrasting with an increase in the comparison group.ConclusionThe frequency and presentation order of mental health symptom assessments impact children’s reports of mental health stigma, underscoring the importance of screening context. Potential screening harms, such as exacerbating self-stigma and secrecy, warrant consideration. Addressing stigma-related barriers is crucial for enhancing mental health care access for children in schools.Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001114730) https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384472 Date of trial registration: 12th August 2022.

Identifying Caregiving Youth and Associated Mental Health Concerns in a Medical Clinic Setting

Background/ Objectives: Despite the high estimated prevalence and the documented impact of caregiving on children, there is no systematic process to identify or study caregiving youth in the healthcare setting. The aim of this study was to pilot screening in school-based clinics to identify caregiving youth and their associated mental health outcomes. Methods: From March 2021 to March 2022, ninth- to twelfth-grade students were surveyed regarding caregiving and validated mental health screeners during intake at three Title 1 school-based health clinics in Miami, FL. Results: Thirty-nine percent of participants self-identified as caregivers. The most common caregiving tasks were cleaning (n = 20, 50%), keeping company (n = 19, 48%), shopping/cooking (n = 14, 35%), dressing (n = 13, 33%), mobility support (n = 12, 30%), and medical support (n = 11, 28%). Compared to their non-caregiving counterparts, caregiving youth had higher scores on mental health screeners, and caregivers were more likely to endorse clinically significant levels of depression (p = 0.050). Conclusions: Screening in the healthcare system was effective at identifying caregiving youth in school-based clinics whose mental health may be impacted by caregiving responsibilities. Pediatricians should actively screen for both caregiving and mental health concerns. Future studies are needed to ensure the caregiving screening tool is reliable and valid for broad-scale provider use.

Integrated care for mental health in epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-synthesis by the International League Against Epilepsy Integrated Mental Health Care Pathways Task Force.

Mental health (MH) comorbidities are prevalent among people with epilepsy (PWE), but many experience challenges accessing care. To address this, suggestions have been made to integrate MH care into epilepsy care settings, yet the current approaches, benefits, and implementation determinants to MH care integration are unclear. This review aims to synthesize existing integrated MH care models for PWE to inform the development and planning of future initiatives. We searched Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Cochrane for articles that described any activity within a health care setting that addressed MH as routine care for PWE. Year of publication was restricted to 2000 onward. At least two authors reviewed articles and extracted data. Barriers, facilitators, and future recommendations were identified through thematic synthesis using NVivo. Study quality was assessed for articles reporting clinical outcomes. Following review of 7520 abstracts and 596 full-text articles, 65 met eligibility criteria and were included. Most (k = 43, 66%) described routine MH screening, with 11 reporting on uptake and acceptability, which was generally high. Interventions included psychological interventions (k = 23, 35%), psychoeducation (k = 9, 14%), and pharmacotherapy (k = 6, 9%). Thirteen articles (20%) reported on changes in MH outcomes, all of which indicated some improvements in MH, but 33% were rated as poor quality. Thirty-four (52%) articles reported on barriers and facilitators, and 34 (37%) articles provided recommendations for future initiatives. Overall, diverse approaches to integrated MH care for PWE were identified, with promising uptake, acceptability, and impacts on MH outcomes. Qualitative analysis informed a proposed framework for future integrated MH care initiatives. The framework outlines fundamental components of care activities, such as MH screening, psychoeducation, and care pathways, as well as key facilitators for their establishment (e.g., policies, infrastructure, staffing) and effective delivery (e.g., staff incentives, acceptability, evaluation).

Prevalence of suicidal ideation and associated factors among perinatal women living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Perinatal women living with HIV face increased susceptibility to mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation (SI). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SI among perinatal women with HIV and identify associated factors. A systematic search was done across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Data analysis was executed using R software. Publication bias was assessed via funnel plot and Egger's test, while heterogeneity was investigated using the I2 statistic. A total of 11 studies involving 4329 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of SI was 23.4% (95% CI: 16.3–32.4). Subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence in postnatal women (36.4%) than antenatal women (27.8%), although this difference was not statistically significant. Studies employing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale reported a higher prevalence (38.9%). Studies published between 2013–2017 showed a higher prevalence (37.6%) compared to those published between 2018–2022 (18.2%). Factors associated with SI included depression during pregnancy or postpartum, unplanned pregnancy, intimate partner violence, undisclosed HIV status, lack of social support, and recent diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections other than HIV. The high prevalence of SI emphasizes the need for mental health screening and interventions. Mental health assessments should be integrated into routine antenatal and postnatal care.

Examining the association between access to a primary care provider and perceived unmet mental health treatment need among New York City adults

This study examined the relationship between having a primary care provider (PCP) and perceived unmet mental health treatment need in New York City (NYC) adults using data from the 2019 and 2020 NYC Community Health Survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent association between having a PCP and perceived unmet mental health treatment need. In 2019, lacking a PCP significantly increased odds of perceived unmet mental health treatment need in unadjusted analysis, but not in adjusted analysis. Non-specific psychological distress (OR 8.63; 95% CI 5.51, 13.53; p < .001) and perceived unmet medical treatment need (OR 5.33; 95% CI 3.47; 8.20, p < .001) increased odds of perceived unmet mental health treatment need. Similar findings were observed in 2020. These findings suggest that integrating routine mental health screening in primary care and increasing access to quality medical care are important to reduce the mental health treatment gap in NYC adults.

Anxiety and Depression Among Patients Newly Diagnosed with Lymphoma and Myeloma.

Although lymphoma and myeloma confer physical and psychological burden, data are limited regarding anxiety and depression symptoms in affected patients. We conducted a survey between 07/2021 and 09/2022 to characterize anxiety and depression in a cohort of adult patients, within six months of a lymphoma or myeloma diagnosis. Clinically significant anxiety and depression symptoms were defined as scores ≥8 on the corresponding subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We assessed sociodemographic factors associated with anxiety/depression symptoms and examined the relationship between anxiety/depression symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in multivariable analyses. Our cohort included 200 patients (response rate=74.9%), of which 45.5% were female, and 55.5% were ≥ 60years. Over half of the cohort (56.2%) had clinically significant anxiety and/or depression symptoms, with 52.0% (95%CI 44.9%-59.1%) meeting the cutoff for anxiety and 27.5% (95%CI 21.6%-34.3%) for depression. Lower financial satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.43, 95%CI 1.25-4.78) and greater levels of medical mistrust (AOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.10-4.02) were associated with higher odds of anxiety. Lower financial satisfaction (AOR 2.12, 95%CI 1.07-4.30) and lower levels of social support (AOR 2.88, 95%CI 1.42-6.00) were associated with higher odds of depression. Depression was associated with lower QOL (adjusted mean difference = -22.0, 95% CI -28.1 to -15.9). More than half of patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma or myeloma experience clinically significant anxiety or depression symptoms, with associated detriment to their QOL. These findings underscore the need for systematic mental health screening and psychological interventions for this population.

Reply to: "Comments on Development and Validation of Hospital Mental Health Screen to Detect Psychiatric Morbidity in Medically Ill Patients in India".

Reply to: "Comments on Development and Validation of Hospital Mental Health Screen to Detect Psychiatric Morbidity in Medically Ill Patients in India".

Comments on: "Development and Validation of Hospital Mental Health Screen to Detect Psychiatric Morbidity in Medically Ill Patients in India".

Comments on: "Development and Validation of Hospital Mental Health Screen to Detect Psychiatric Morbidity in Medically Ill Patients in India".

Depression in children with abdominal pain in the emergency department.

This cross-sectional study examined depression and associated impairment in youth presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED) with abdominal pain. Participants were 11-17 years old, presenting to a PED with idiopathic abdominal pain. Participants completed demographics, pain, pain-related impairment, and depression surveys. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9A). Scores ≥10 met depression threshold and ≥1 on item 9 indicated self-harm ideation. Mean difference and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Among 169 participants, 29.6% reported depression and 9.4% endorsed self-harm ideation. Depression was associated with Latinx ethnicity (X2 = 4.02, p = 0.045), higher pain intensity (Z = -3.09, p = 0.002), and higher pain-related impairment (Z = -4.86, p < 0.001). In regression analyses, pain-related impairment and Latinx ethnicity were independently associated with depression (OR = 3.89 [95%CI, 1.22-12.40]; OR = 1.13 [95%CI, 1.06-1.21]). Self-harm ideation was not associated with study variables. Results highlight the need for enhanced mental health screening for youth presenting with idiopathic abdominal pain in the ED, particularly for Latinx youth. Early identification of depression and high pain-related impairment may inform interventions and improve outcomes. Nearly 30% of youth, 11-17 years old, presenting to the ED with idiopathic abdominal pain screened positive for depression and 9.4% reported self-harm ideation. The higher likelihood of depression among Latinx youth experiencing pain emphasizes the importance of including diverse samples in future ED research to explore mechanisms contributing to poorer mental health in minoritized populations. Results highlight the need for enhanced mental health screening in youth presenting to the emergency department with idiopathic abdominal pain.

Where’s the help when you need it? Examining accessibility to mental health resources among law enforcement

ABSTRACT The current study investigates barriers to the accessibility of mental health resources among sworn law enforcement officers. Following Levesque and colleagues’ (2013) model of mental health accessibility, the study examines how factors such as the ability to perceive, seek, reach, pay for, and engage with care influence an officer’s ability to access resources. Utilizing a sample of sworn law enforcement officers from Kentucky and Virginia, data were collected through an online survey administered between November 2023 and February 2024. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed the most significant predictors of mental health accessibility to be the ability to seek and perceive care, both of which are influenced by occupational culture and mental health stigma. Officers’ fears of confidentiality breaches, being perceived as weak, and potential negative impacts on careers substantially reduced their likelihood of seeking help. Findings highlight policy implications, noting the need for administrative support, mental health screenings, and training.

Prognostic models for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following traumatic brain injury: a CENTER-TBI study

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We aimed to identify predictors and develop models for the...

Educators’ Role in Mitigating Suicidal Propensities among Zimbabwe Rural Secondary Male Learners: An Exploration of Challenges and Interventions Mechanisms

This qualitative study explores the role of educators in addressing and mitigating suicidal propensities among male rural secondary school learners in Zimbabwe. Then, it focuses on educators’ challenges and intervention mechanisms to provide insights into practical strategies for supporting mental health in this vulnerable population. Grounded in a phenomenological approach, the study utilizes a case study design to explore the lived experiences of 14 participants, including educators, parents, and health professionals. Data collection through focus group discussions enables a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding suicide prevention in rural educational settings. Research findings indicate that educators frequently struggle to identify suicidal tendencies among male learners due to cultural stigma surrounding mental health and lack of training in psychological assessment. Communication gaps with parents and health professionals further complicate these challenges. Conversely, successful intervention mechanisms identified in the study include peer support programs and mental health awareness campaigns, which create supportive environments and empower learners to seek help and engage in open discussions about mental health. Based on these findings, the study recommends that educational authorities implement comprehensive training programs for educators to equip them with the necessary skills to identify and address suicidal propensities among learners. Such training should encompass mental health education, communication strategies, and cultural sensitivity. Furthermore, establishing partnerships between schools and local health services can enhance the support system for vulnerable learners. Collaborative initiatives should be developed to facilitate regular mental health screenings and provide accessible resources for learners and their families.