How young people understand and navigate mental health challenges

(3) Perceived notions and evaluative stance on mental health showed ambivalence, with some youth recognising its importance and others viewing it through stigmatised or spiritual lenses, often influenced by trust and peer perceptions. (4) Coping strategies and support systems showcase reliance on informal networks that foster resilience but cannot replace professional care, alongside the coexistence of adaptive and maladaptive behaviours.

(5) Constraints on psychosocial service delivery revealed systemic barriers such as hospital-centric provision, underfunding, stigma and affordability challenges. Finally, (6) Youth's suggestions for integrated mental well-being awareness emphasised the need for culturally resonant, youth-led initiatives embedded in schools, communities and faith spaces to normalise dialogue and dismantle stigma. Collectively, these themes highlight that youth mental health is relational and socio-structural, requiring integrated, community-based strategies that centre youth voices and bridge formal and informal support systems.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>