A Qualitative Study on Attitude Towards Seeking Mental Health Support among Medical Professionals

Abstract

This study investigates the attitude among medical professionals towards seeking mental health treatment. The research aimed to understand the different barriers that prevent medical professionals from seeking support for mental well-being. Participants of this study included 11 adults within an age range of (24-56) years working at Government and private healthcare institutions. Data were collected using semi-structured interview and were analyzed by means of thematic analysis. The results of this study identified 5 major themes such as: (1) Barriers to Seeking Support (2) Personal and Professional Effects of Being in the Medical Field (3) Professional Expectations (4) Adaptive Responses (5) Expectations about future. Participants emphasized the role of stigma, structural barriers, and cultural expectations which continued to act as barriers to opening up and seeking mental health support.