Help-seeking experiences of young people of culturally and/or linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds following suicidal thoughts and behaviours in Melbourne, Australia: a qualitative approach

Objectives To understand the help-seeking experiences of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who have experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB). Design Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis. Setting A specialist, youth-focused Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) aftercare service delivered by Orygen in North-West Melbourne, Australia. Participants Eight young people aged 16-24 years (mean: 18.7 +/- 3.1 years, 50% female) from various CALD backgrounds who had been discharged from the HOPE aftercare service within the past 12 months. Results Four themes were identified: (1) cultural taboos and generational differences create challenges in communicating with family; (2) isolation is a barrier to reaching out; (3) it's hard to disclose and discuss STB with clinicians and (4) not being taken seriously in clinical settings. Conclusion These findings highlight social, cultural and organisational barriers that shape the help-seeking journeys of young people from CALD backgrounds experiencing STB. Results suggest a need for culturally sensitive suicide prevention strategies, enhanced cultural competency in healthcare settings and efforts to improve mental health literacy within CALD communities.