Mental Health Perceptions and Help-seeking Behaviors among Urban Indian Youth: A Qualitative Exploration in Navi Mumbai

Description

Page: 696-701

Nirja Shah (Amity Institute of Behavioral and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)

This qualitative study explored mental health conceptualizations and help-seeking behaviors among 22 adolescents and young adults (ages 15-30) in Navi Mumbai, India. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, seven key themes emerged: (1) diverse mental health conceptualizations centered on emotional balance; (2) significant cultural and societal influences including stigma and generational differences; (3) multiple accessibility barriers including financial constraints and knowledge gaps; (4) diverse coping strategies encompassing informal support and spiritual practices; (5) complex help-seeking attitudes influenced by trust and cultural worldviews; (6) the transformative impact of personal experiences on mental health perspectives; and (7) influential peer relationships in normalizing help-seeking. Findings revealed culturally specific phenomena, including “reputation-contingent suffering” and resilience conceptualized as silent endurance rather than active help-seeking. Results challenge universal applicability of Western therapeutic models and highlight the need for culturally grounded interventions that integrate family-inclusive services, reframe resilience narratives, and leverage peer support networks. These insights inform culturally responsive mental health policies and interventions for urban Indian youth, contributing to global understanding of youth mental health in rapidly urbanizing societies.