Understanding help seeking for mental health in rural South Australia: thematic analytical study
Joanne E. Collins A C , Helen Winefield A B , Lynn Ward A and Deborah Turnbull AA School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
B Department of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: joanne.collins@adelaide.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 15(2) 159-165 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY09019
Published: 5 June 2009
Abstract
This study investigated barriers to help seeking for mental health concerns and explored the role of psychological mindedness using semistructured interviews with sixteen adults in a South Australian rural centre. Prior research-driven thematic analysis identified themes of stigma, self-reliance and lack of services. Additional emergent themes were awareness of mental illness and mental health services, the role of general practitioners and the need for change. Lack of psychological mindedness was related to reluctance to seek help. Campaigns, interventions and services promoting mental health in rural communities need to be compatible with rural cultural context, and presented in a way that is congruent with rural values.
Additional keywords: psychological mindedness, rural health, stigma.
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