Background
Adolescents in Kenya often experience depression and anxiety, but little is known about whether they seek help, where they get support, and what stops them from accessing services. This study examined mental health service use, sources of support, and barriers to help-seeking among Kenyan high school students.
Methods
Data were collected from 2,907 students across 44 high schools. Students completed questionnaires on depression, anxiety, socio-demographic factors, and help-seeking behaviors. Analyses looked at associations between symptoms, background factors, sources of support, and barriers to seeking help.
Results
Most students reported non-clinical levels of depression (71%) and anxiety (78%). Adolescents with clinical symptoms were more likely to live in single-parent or parent-absent households and have lower academic self-perception. Over half had not considered seeking help outside their families, and only 14% had actually sought support. Friends were the most common source of help, followed by relatives and religious leaders; professional services were rarely used. Key barriers included logistical issues and stigma. Males and younger students were less likely to seek help, while higher grade level, extracurricular involvement, and positive academic self-perception increased the likelihood of seeking support.
Implications
Many adolescents with depression and anxiety do not access mental health support. Interventions should reduce stigma and logistical barriers, integrate services into schools and communities, and strengthen peer and informal support networks to improve mental health outcomes for Kenyan youth.
