MENTAL ILLNESS: CAUSAL BELIEFS, ATTITUDE, HELP-SEEKING PATHWAYS AND COUNSELLING IMPLICATIONS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causal beliefs, attitudes, and helping-seeking pathways mental illness, as well counselling implications adults in Anambra State community Ihiala. Three research questions guided study. This paper adopted a descriptive survey design. To select 200 participants from Ihiala, semi-urban Igbo State, multi-stage (random opportunity) sampling used. had three structured questionnaires, each covering specific purpose. instruments were subjected face content validation make sure they valid. Cronbach Alpha Method used determine internal consistency instruments, an overall co-efficient 0.89 obtained. Ten undergraduate students recruited briefed help with administration questionnaires participants. Frequency counts percentages answer 1, while arithmetic mean standard deviation 2 3. findings revealed that most frequently endorsed categories misuse substances, evil forces, brain injury, hereditary. There lot prejudice negative attitude given mentally ill people healthcare for illness among State. Based on study’s findings, it suggested government, collaboration counsellors non-governmental organizations, launch comprehensive health prevention programs. effectiveness these programmes will assist reducing high-risk problems experienced result lack information. Such information education could essentially decrease number are victims various forms diseases illnesses. KEYWORDS: Mental Illness, Health, Causal Beliefs Attitude, Help-seeking Pathways