Lived experiences of mental health stigma and help-seeking among young Barbadians living with mental health conditions: A qualitative study.

In recent years, there has been increased public concern surrounding the mental health of young people in Barbados. A significant challenge for young people experiencing mental health conditions is stigma, which is a key barrier to help-seeking. This study aimed to explore how young Barbadians with mental health conditions experience and respond to mental health stigma and help-seeking. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2022 with 28 Barbadians aged 18-24 years who reported being diagnosed with a mental health condition, or self-identifying as having experienced mental health challenges. The data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. The findings highlighted the importance of culture in how mental health is perceived, and the role of anticipated and experienced stigma deterring help-seeking. Social networks acted as both facilitators and barriers to stigma and help-seeking, and mixed experiences and opinions of formal services raised concerns regarding the quality of care and accessibility. These findings highlight the need for locally informed, culturally relevant strategies and interventions to address and reduce stigma, facilitate help-seeking and improve care outcomes within the community in Barbados.