Table 4 Frequencies of perceived barriers to professional help-seeking (free text field answers in the Barriers Questionnaire, n = 398)

Stigma

3 (1.5)

3 (3.2)

7 (6.3)

 Shame

1 (0.5)

2 (2.2)

0 (0.0)

 Fearing reactions of others

2 (1.0)

1 (1.1)

7 (6.3)

Lack of mental health literacy

45 (23.2)

22 (23.7)

18 (16.2)

 No perceived need for therapy or problems/relativization of problems

20 (10.3)

10 (10.8)

7 (6.3)

 Negative expectancies about effectiveness and psychotherapist

8 (4.1)

6 (6.5)

6 (5.4)

 Lack of knowledge

3 (1.5)

1 (1.1)

1 (0.9)

 Lack of motivation

14 (7.2)

5 (5.4)

4 (3.6)

Family-related barriers

2 (1.0)

1 (1.1)

6 (5.4)

 Fear of parental reaction

0 (0.0)

3 (3.2)

7 (6.3)

 Fear that others might worry about oneself

2 (1.0)

1 (1.1)

6 (5.4)

Self-reliance and autonomy

69 (35.6)

21 (22.6)

11 (9.9)

 Preference to handle problems alone

18 (9.3)

7 (7.5)

10 (9.0)

 Preference to talk to family or friends

51 (26.3)

14 (15.1)

1 (0.9)

Intrapersonal reasons

25 (12.9)

23 (24.7)

18 (16.2)

 Difficulties talking about problems

18 (9.3)

14 (15.1)

11 (9.9)

 General mistrust in others

4 (2.1)

2 (2.2)

3 (2.7)

 Low self-esteem

3 (1.5)

7 (7.5)

4 (3.6)

Fear of consequences

6 (3.1)

1 (1.1)

4 (3.6)

 Fear of being admitted to the psychiatric ward

2 (1.0)

0 (0.0)

1 (0.9)

 Fear of negative consequences (in general)

4 (2.1)

1 (1.1)

3 (2.7)

Negative experience with therapy

10 (5.2)

6 (6.5)

12 (10.8)

Perceived difficulties in accessibility

5 (2.6)

1 (1.1)

9 (8.1)

 No parental approval

3 (1.5)

1 (1.1)

5 (4.5)

 Financial reasons

2 (1.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

 Time-related reasons

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

1 (0.9)

Non assignable

19 (17.1)

12 (12.9)

29 (14.9)