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Cultural Stigma on Mental Health: How Likely People Seek Help on Mental Health
Ahmed, Saja
Ahmed, Saja
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Abstract
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to psychological well-being in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where cultural, social, and financial factors intersect to discourage help-seeking behaviour. This study explores how traditional beliefs, family expectations, and socioeconomic barriers shape public perceptions of mental illness and contribute to the reluctance to seek psychological support. Utilizing Quantitative Survey with Multiple-Response, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 256 Saudi adults through quantitative questions. Findings indicate that 73.4% of participants believe social stigma prevents individuals from seeking help, while fear of negative judgment, cultural misconceptions, and limited mental health awareness were cited as primary causes of stigma. The results also highlight that financial challenges and insurance limitations serve as additional barriers, especially among the unemployed. The study underscores the need for culturally tailored awareness campaigns, education programs, and policy interventions to reduce stigma and promote mental health accessibility. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on culturally contextualized mental health strategies in the Gulf region.
Keywords: Mental health stigma, Saudi Arabia, cultural beliefs, help-seeking behaviour, public perception, psychological support, financial barriers