Mental health and attitudes toward seeking professional help among students of Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The study on mental health and attitudes towards seeking professional help among students at the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) is the result of a cross-sectional survey conducted in October 2023, with the participation of 8,383 students. This research aims to assess the levels of risk for mental health problems among students at VNU-HCM. Additionally, the study explores the current attitudes towards seeking professional help among students when they face mental health problems in their academic and personal lives. The results indicate that students were at risk of experiencing depressive symptoms (from mild to severe levels, 77.7%) and anxiety symptoms (58.8%) to varying degrees; however, they rarely seek professional help (M=1.66; SD=0.75). VNU-HCM students’ attitudes towards seeking professional assistance reveal that while they can endure the stigma associated with mental health, they remain hesitant to discuss these issues with others. They recognise the need for psychological therapy and have trust in professionals, yet they lack the initiative to seek help. These findings indicate the need for measures, including enhanced communication and the integration of multimedia platforms, to raise awareness and encourage students to seek professional help when needed.