Help-seeking experiences of young people of culturally and/or linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds following suicidal thoughts and behaviours in Melbourne, Australia: a qualitative approach

Abstract

Objectives To understand the help-seeking experiences of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who have experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB).Design Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis.Setting A specialist, youth-focused Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) aftercare service delivered by Orygen in North-West Melbourne, Australia.Participants Eight young people aged 16–24 years (mean: 18.7±3.1 years, 50% female) from various CALD backgrounds who had been discharged from the HOPE aftercare service within the past 12 months.Results Four themes were identified: (1) cultural taboos and generational differences create challenges in communicating with family; (2) isolation is a barrier to reaching out; (3) it’s hard to disclose and discuss STB with clinicians and (4) not being taken seriously in clinical settings.Conclusion These findings highlight social, cultural and organisational barriers that shape the help-seeking journeys of young people from CALD backgrounds experiencing STB. Results suggest a need for culturally sensitive suicide prevention strategies, enhanced cultural competency in healthcare settings and efforts to improve mental health literacy within CALD communities.