Help-Seeking Behavior and Psychological Distress by Age in a Nationally Representative Sample of Japanese Employees

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to examine the association between the presence=absence of help-seeking behavior (ie, behavior aimed at obtaining assistance from others to improve a situation or problem) and psychological distress among private and public employees by age group using a nationally representative sample of the Japanese population. Methods: The present study analyzed data obtained from the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions, a nationwide cross-sectional survey. Of 568,426 participants, 78,284 private and public employees aged 20 to 59 years, who were receiving no mental health services at the time of the survey and reported at least one stressor in daily life, were eligible. The primary outcome measure was self-rated psychological distress as measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out separately by age group, adjusting for sociodemographic and job=life-related factors. Results: The proportion of participants not showing help-seeking behavior was significantly higher among those aged 40-59 years compared to those aged 20-39 (30.5% and 22.7%, respectively; P < 0.001). Participants without help-seeking behavior had significantly higher odds ratios (ORs) for psychological distress, regardless of age group (OR = 1.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-2.0] and OR = 1.6 [95% CI, 1.4-1.7] for the age 20-39 years and 40-59 years groups, respectively), compared to those showing help-seeking behavior. Conclusions: Participants not showing help-seeking behavior were more likely to have severe psychological distress, and this trend appeared to be slightly stronger among those aged 20-39 years. These findings suggest that promoting help-seeking behavior is important for improving mental health among workers.

Psychological distress and suicidal ideation among male construction workers in the United States

“…Despite these barriers, an Australian study found that young men in the construction industry tend to recognize the role of the workplace in reducing suicide rates and addressing mental health 52 . This suggests workplace interventions, such as encouraging those with mental problems to seek timely help and treatment, can have significant positive impacts, especially for young workers 47,53,54 . Additionally, training programs for peer advocates may be useful to eliminate the stigma behind mental health and provide suicide prevention for workers who are struggling with mental distress 55,56 .…”

“…52 This suggests workplace interventions, such as encouraging those with mental problems to seek timely help and treatment, can have significant positive impacts, especially for young workers. 47,53,54 Additionally, training programs for peer advocates may be useful to eliminate the stigma behind mental health and provide suicide prevention for workers who are struggling with mental distress. 55,56 This is particularly important for male workers given that stigma is an extreme barrier for them to seek mental health treatment when needed.…”

Understanding the Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Railway Workers

“…There is evidence that help-seeking intentions may help foster both individual 134,135 and team resilience 136,137 and protect mental well-being. 138,139 Improvements in help seeking among railway workers have been found to improve team cohesion and mental well-being. 82,140 Research has yet to explore such constructs in the context of railway workers dealing with the stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…There is evidence that help-seeking intentions may help foster both individual 134,135 and team resilience 136,137 and protect mental well-being 138,139 . Improvements in help seeking among railway workers have been found to improve team cohesion and mental well-being 82,140 .…”

The role of psychological distress, stigma and coping strategies on help-seeking intentions in a sample of Italian college students

“…However, research indicates that the student population is quite reluctant to seek professional help for mental health problems [ 7 ], with men having more negative attitudes than women towards help seeking [ 8 , 9 ]. In a recent survey conducted by [ 10 ], results showed how people not presenting help seeking behaviour were more likely to have severe psychological distress, and this trend appeared to be slightly stronger among young people aged between 20 and 39. Data from research in college settings confirm these results, suggesting that students may tend not to seek help, even when mental health services are available [ 11 ].…”