Factors associated with intentions to seek formal and informal mental health help among college students with suicidal thoughts and behaviors

ObjectiveIdentify factors associated with formal and informal mental health help-seeking intentions among college students reporting suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs).ParticipantsCollege students with STBs in the 2018-2020 Healthy Minds Study.MethodsCross-sectional secondary analysis using logistic regressions to determine whether demographic (age, sex, race, religion, and finances) and psychosocial factors (mental health, perceptions about mental health help, and barriers) are associated with (in)formal help-seeking intentions.ResultsPositive significant factors for all help-seeking intentions included being in a romantic relationship, Christian, symptoms of anxiety, or positive beliefs and knowledge about therapy efficacy. Depressive symptoms, Black/African American, psychological inflexibility, low perceived need, and barriers were negatively associated. Informal help-seeking was negatively associated with Hispanic/Latinx and personal stigma toward mental health. Formal help-seeking was positively associated with Asian/Asian American and negatively associated with financial stress.ConclusionsUnique factors were associated with formal or informal help-seeking intentions in college students with STBs.