In the context of mental health, help-seeking behaviour can be defined as actively seeking out advice and/or supportive action in response to a problem or distressing experience (Bryant et al., 2021). Barriers to engaging in help-seeking behaviours on campus include (Karam, 2019):
- Lack of academic time off
- Waitlists
- Personal, perceived, and public stigma
- Lack of mental health service(s) promotion
- Self-perception of own mental health needs
Of the three types of stigmas (personal, perceived, and public), personal stigma is significantly associated with lower levels of help-seeking behaviour, along with having a lower emotional openness and being male (Karam, 2019). A student’s perception of their own needs can be a barrier to understanding how serious their needs are, leading them to think that no one would understand their problems, both of which are negative factors in seeking help (Karam, 2019). Tying into the skilled trades and traditional masculine norms of being ‘weak’ or ‘not strong enough’ to resolve their problems by themselves, and the feelings of being embarrassed to express emotions, men more often exhibit low help-seeking behaviours (Bryant et al., 2021).
Research indicates that service advertisements for students who are off campus are especially important in increasing help-seeking behaviours (Karam, 2019). With trades students utilizing the block method and being on campus for short and condensed periods, they must know of the services ahead of time to efficiently seek out the help they need during their time on or off campus. Service promotion is necessary at the start of the academic year and throughout it to ensure that trade students receive the same amount of outreach as on-campus students (Karam, 2019).
Spotlight
At Sault College, during the first week of classes, a dedicated counselor meets with every apprentice block to provide information about mental health services available and how to access them. The counselor aims to reduce stigma by discussing some of the common reasons to access counselling, specific stressors they may face, and the importance of reaching out for help.
Mohawk College hosts Get Ready for Training Night information sessions for apprentices and their caregivers/family prior to attending classes. These sessions aim to assist students with connecting to services and preparing them for their studies.
