Mental health experiences and help-seeking pathways among young people in Kenya: a qualitative study informing youth-centered digital mental health platforms

Abstract

Background Young people in low- and middle-income countries face social and structural stressors that increase vulnerability to mental health difficulties, while access to formal mental health services remains limited. Digital mental health interventions may expand access to support, but their design requires understanding young people’ lived experiences, coping strategies, and help-seeking behaviors. Objective This study explored young people's experiences of mental health challenges, coping strategies, and help-seeking behaviors in Kenyan communities to inform the design of youth-centered digital mental health interventions. Methods We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using 12 focus group discussions with 72 young people aged 18–24 years in urban (Kibra), peri-urban (Kikuyu Town), and rural (Nachu) Kenya. Participants were purposively sampled by gender, education, and geography. Discussions explored mental health experiences, coping, support-seeking, barriers to care, and perspectives on digital mental health tools. Audio-recorded discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Reporting followed COREQ guidelines. Results Six themes emerged: (1) causes of mental distress, including academic pressure, financial hardship, and uncertainty about the future; (2) emotional distress, including sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and overwhelm; (3) stigma and barriers to professional help-seeking; (4) reliance on informal support from friends, family, teachers, and religious leaders; (5) coping strategies, including sports, music, social interaction, and spiritual practices; and (6) openness to digital mental health support. Participants valued digital platforms that offered anonymity, trustworthy information, and culturally relevant content. Conclusions Young people in Kenyan communities face multiple stressors and barriers to formal mental health care. Youth-centered digital mental health platforms may offer accessible and acceptable support when designed to be confidential, culturally relevant, and linked to existing community support systems.