Help-Seeking for Suicidal Crises: A Qualitative Exploration of Decision-Making and Expectations
Abstract
Introduction: Suicide is a significant public health concern among young adults in the United States, particularly as fewer than 50% of those experiencing suicidal ideation seek professional help. Help-seeking theories suggest expectations about what will occur during care and beliefs about potential outcomes can influence decisions to seek or avoid support. Although general mental health help-seeking is often examined in research, few studies have explored help-seeking specifically in the context of suicidal crises. The purpose of this study was to explore decision-making related to seeking formal help for suicidal crises from primary care providers (PCPs) or mental health providers (MHPs) among young adults in Appalachia. Method: Data were drawn from a mixed-methods study examining college students’ help-seeking experiences during suicidal crises. Participants who sought help from PCPs or MHPs responded to open-ended questions about their expectations and hopes for receiving formal care. Individuals who did not seek help from PCPs or MHPs described their reasons for not engaging in formal care. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns across participants’ responses. Results: The sample included undergraduate students from a mid-sized university in South Central Appalachia (N = 80, Mage = 20.21, 72.5% female, 87.5% White, 51.2% LGBTQ+). Broad themes related to not seeking formal help included internal barriers (e.g., fear, stigma, self-reliance), structural and systemic barriers (e.g., access and cost concerns), and prior negative healthcare experiences. Among those who sought help, participants endorsed expectations of compassion, validation, and practical support such as connection to resources and ongoing care. Some participants described fears of judgment or involuntary hospitalization but pursued help despite these concerns. Findings highlight variability in the help-seeking process and underscore the importance of provider responsiveness, transparency, and the need for accessible care. Keywords: Suicide, help-seeking, patient experiences, intervention strategies, barriers to care.
Start Time
15-4-2026 2:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 3:30 PM
Room Number
311
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Aubrey Dueweke
Help-Seeking for Suicidal Crises: A Qualitative Exploration of Decision-Making and Expectations
311
Introduction: Suicide is a significant public health concern among young adults in the United States, particularly as fewer than 50% of those experiencing suicidal ideation seek professional help. Help-seeking theories suggest expectations about what will occur during care and beliefs about potential outcomes can influence decisions to seek or avoid support. Although general mental health help-seeking is often examined in research, few studies have explored help-seeking specifically in the context of suicidal crises. The purpose of this study was to explore decision-making related to seeking formal help for suicidal crises from primary care providers (PCPs) or mental health providers (MHPs) among young adults in Appalachia. Method: Data were drawn from a mixed-methods study examining college students’ help-seeking experiences during suicidal crises. Participants who sought help from PCPs or MHPs responded to open-ended questions about their expectations and hopes for receiving formal care. Individuals who did not seek help from PCPs or MHPs described their reasons for not engaging in formal care. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns across participants’ responses. Results: The sample included undergraduate students from a mid-sized university in South Central Appalachia (N = 80, Mage = 20.21, 72.5% female, 87.5% White, 51.2% LGBTQ+). Broad themes related to not seeking formal help included internal barriers (e.g., fear, stigma, self-reliance), structural and systemic barriers (e.g., access and cost concerns), and prior negative healthcare experiences. Among those who sought help, participants endorsed expectations of compassion, validation, and practical support such as connection to resources and ongoing care. Some participants described fears of judgment or involuntary hospitalization but pursued help despite these concerns. Findings highlight variability in the help-seeking process and underscore the importance of provider responsiveness, transparency, and the need for accessible care. Keywords: Suicide, help-seeking, patient experiences, intervention strategies, barriers to care.
