A Phenomenological Study on The Formal Help-Seeking Experiences of Adults with Anxiety Disorders

The aim of this study is to explore the formal help-seeking experience of adults with anxiety disorder. Five adults from Metro Manila who are diagnosed with anxiety disorder were interviewed for the study. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, this research seeks to capture the views and meanings surrounding formal help-seeking to improve awareness and increase the level of formal help-seeking in the country. The study was motivated by the reported incongruence of the prevalence of mental disorders to the level of formal help-seeking. Phenomenological data analysis was employed to analyze the data, shedding light upon the sense-making of adults with anxiety disorder. Themes such as "help-seeking as the road to positive change", "help-seeking as turning the light up to see through the darkness", "help-seeking is transformative", "help-seeking is prevention", "facing financial constraints", "realizing the lack of perceived need", "attaining support from family and peers", "doubting the experts and intervention", "negative impressions", and "perceived stigma" emerged from the data. The study revealed that adults with anxiety disorder view formal help-seeking positively, impacting their tendency to pursue professional help despite the relevant challenges. The researcher recommends that the role of significant persons in the formulation of views about formal help-seeking be explored. Inquiry on the formal help-seeking experience of individuals living in remote rural areas is also suggested. Finally, the researcher proposes a study on the identification skills of counselors for mental health concerns among school children.