What is it about?

Young adults often struggle with depression but hesitate to ask for help. Our research found that hidden biases about depression don’t directly stop young people from seeking help, but they make them more likely to judge themselves negatively. This self-stigma then lowers their willingness to reach out for support. The study shows why reducing stigma must go beyond awareness campaigns: we need programs that tackle both unconscious biases and self-stigma. Innovative approaches, like digital tools or virtual reality, could make it easier for young people to feel safe and supported when asking for help.

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Why is it important?

Our study brings together two forms of stigma: implicit (unconscious bias) and self-stigma, within a single model of help-seeking for depression. While these factors have often been studied separately, our work shows how they interact, with unconscious stigma fueling self-stigma and reducing young adults’ willingness to seek help. This is timely because mental health needs among young people are rising, yet help-seeking remains low. By highlighting this hidden mechanism, our findings point to innovative strategies, including digital and experiential interventions, that can better support young adults in reaching out for care.

Perspectives

Writing this article was especially meaningful to me because it connects two areas I have been passionate about throughout my career: understanding stigma and improving young people’s access to mental health care. I hope this work not only sparks academic discussion but also helps shape interventions that make a real difference in young people’s lives. For me, it is a reminder that research is not just about data, it is about helping more young people feel safe, supported, and willing to ask for mental help when they need it.

Matias E. Rodriguez-Rivas
Universidad de Las Americas

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The role of implicit and self-stigma of depression in mental help-seeking intention among young adults., Stigma and Health, August 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/sah0000661.
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