Since being exposed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the United States has seen an increasing concern for mental wellness. During late June 2020, 40% of adults reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse with 31% experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms, 26% with trauma or stressor-related disorder symptoms, 13% with increased substance use, and 11% with suicidal ideations [1]. From August 2020 to February 2021, the number of people experiencing symptoms of anxiety, or a depressive disorder increased from 36.4–41.5% [2]. Specifically, 80% of students reported some level of depression during the pandemic [3]. Research indicates that Covid-19 mental health challenges have been associated with the morbidity of the disease, as well as the strict, but necessary, health guidelines in place, such as physical distancing and stay-at home orders [3]. As health guidelines were ordered throughout the nation, Americans were forced to revert to an online lifestyle. In April 2020, 51% of U.S workers reported working remotely due to Covid-19, and two-thirds of remote workers reported they wish to continue to do so, whether the pandemic continues or not [4]. Other aspects of life have also turned to online platforms, such as education, healthcare, and social events. With the nation adapting to current times, many people are left utilizing their technology to accommodate their needs.
Research related to online help seeking behaviors appears very limited. When analyzing the generated websites that first appear when searching for mental health assistance, only a few of the websites that are available to young adults encourage them to seek professional evaluation [5]. Most of the search results are unmonitored chat forums. Other mental health search results attempt to reduce stigma, normalize psychotic symptoms, or are unrelated to mental health [5]. Individuals with mental health conditions also use search engines to learn about their symptoms. In one study conducted on search behaviors among individuals with psychosis, participants utilized only the top results from online searches which mentioned previously, do not provide adequate assistance [6]. Although many participants valued the accessibility to online mental health information, many stated that they did not discuss their online mental health discoveries with their clinicians [6].
Even before the pandemic, utilization of online mental health resources continues to grow among young adults. The need for online services is essential to support the large number of young adults experiencing mental health challenges. Even more so, young adults turn to online services due to face-to face services posing barriers to access, availability, and high cost, all of which are important factors on whether young adults seek assistance [7]. In addition, online services offer young adults a sense of security, providing them with autonomy, anonymity, and privacy [7]. Although few studies examine the effectiveness of online mental health services, understanding college students help seeking behaviors is an important first step in enhancing mental health and expanding access to appropriate care. The current study aims to identify online mental health seeking behaviors among college students. Although this study was conducted just months before the Covid-19 pandemic, results offer significant insight for colleges and mental health services as America continues to grow toward an online lifestyle.