Perceptions, attitudes and experiences of mental health and mental health services among adolescents in a Johannesburg high school

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical stage of human development where there is a susceptibility to developing mental health disorders. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty predispose adolescents to developing mental health disorders that last into adulthood. The lack of adequate resources for adolescent mental health and poor mental health literacy hinders their overall health. Investigating the views and attitudes of adolescents towards mental health and mental health care services seeks to help identify the existing barriers to accessing health care and providing evidence-based interventions that are socially and culturally relevant. Objectives: The study objectives were set to assess adolescents’ knowledge and perceptions of mental health and mental health services, to assess the mental health challenges experienced by adolescents and to assess the awareness and knowledge of mental health care services among adolescents. Methods: This study used an exploratory qualitative research method, using an in-depth interview guide to explore the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of mental health and mental health services among a Johannesburg high school. Study participants were recruited using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Participants in the study were aged 13-19 years old. Participants filled in a sociodemographic questionnaire as well as a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The participants engaged in a collage/activity after which the interview guide was implemented. Results: The adolescents’ overall understanding of mental health was low and varied along a continuum from understanding social well-being to creative and intellectual ability. The adolescents viewed mental health as a lived experience that they should manage on their own. Most of the adolescents had a negative association with mental health. The adolescents experienced a myriad of risk factors including but not limited to rape, bullying, grief, loneliness, and academic stress that affect their mental health. Stigma towards mental health and mental health services remains prevalent among adolescents. The use of stigmatising and dehumanising language among adolescents indicated misinformation and a negative association with mental illness and mental health care services. Knowledge of mental health care services was low, with all but one being able to name a mental health care service. The adolescents had some knowledge about counselling/therapy; however, none had any knowledge of where they could access such services. Conclusion: v Knowledge of mental health is varied and mental health services is low which hinders access to mental health care. The lived experiences of adolescents greatly inform their mental health and their development. Mental health programmes should be cognisant of their experiences and understanding of mental health, to circumvent the prevailing stigma and bolster mental health information. The inclusion of parents and teachers as stakeholders in school-based intervention strategies should be prioritised to facilitate a conducive environment for adolescents and equip them with the necessary skills to identify and refer adolescents for their mental health struggles. Further research investigating the knowledge and perceptions of adolescents towards mental health is required. This will inform policy and intervention programmes that are culturally and socially relevant.