Help-seeking experiences of young Mexican women experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors: exploring the role of cultural values and expectations from the perspectives of women, their support systems, and clinicians

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young adults in Mexico, with college students identifying as women facing heightened risk to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Mental health help-seeking behaviors may be informed by cultural values and expectations. The purpose of this study is to describe how cultural expectations influence formal and informal help-seeking experiences in young Mexican women experiencing STBs from multiple perspectives (students, supportive others, and clinicians). Using qualitative descriptive study, we examined help-seeking experiences among 21 participants, including Mexican women college students with STBs (n=8), their supportive peers (n=5), and clinicians (n=8). Data collected from semi-structured interviews and focus groups was analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) social and cultural attitudes towards suicide: the roles of stigma and shame, (2) community values: maintaining and managing social network, (3) gender roles and expectations as barriers, and (4) religion as a source of strength, solace and guilt. Cultural and gendered expectations, such as familismo, marianismo , and religious values shaped the help-seeking behaviors of Mexican young women attending college. Family and peers emerged as critical stakeholders in facilitating or hindering pathways to formal mental health support. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive educational campaigns and family-centered interventions that address stigma, gendered expectations, and the integration of informal and formal support networks. This study provides valuable insights for tailoring suicide prevention strategies and mental health services to the unique sociocultural contexts of young adult Mexican women. • Family and peers play crucial roles in facilitating support and treatment pathways. • Cultural and gendered expectations shape help-seeking behaviors in Mexican women. • Stigma rooted in cultural beliefs minimalized symptoms and delayed formal support. • Religion offers both solace and barriers in managing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. • Clinicians highlighted a need for culturally tailored mental health care on campuses.