Mental Health Needs and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among First-Year University Students Amidst COVID-19: A Mixed Methods Inquiry

Abstract

Emerging research suggests an uptick in mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, this study examined first-year university students’ mental health and help-seeking behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings reveal approximately one third of students had mental health needs, but few sought out mental health services. Participants described a range of barriers across external, interpersonal, and intrapersonal domains that influenced whether or not they sought out mental health services. Findings indicate the need for structural changes among universities that increase access to services and facilitate narrative change about mental health help-seeking.