Abstract. Background: Psychological distress among University students is an important public health issue, yet evidence from Georgia remains limited. Stigma and negative attitudes toward professional mental health support may prevent students from seeking care even when psychological symptoms are present. Objective: This study aimed to assess psychological distress, self-stigma, attitudes toward professional psychological help, and help-seeking behavior among University students in Georgia. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 University students in Georgia. Data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Self-stigma related to seeking psychological help and attitudes toward professional psychological help were measured using standardized instruments. Help-seeking behavior and perceived barriers were assessed through study-specific questions. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Over-all, 58.6% of the students reported at least mild psychological distress, and 32.3% had moderate-to-severe distress. Only 20.9% had ever sought professional help, although 61.1% reported willingness to seek help if needed. The most common barriers were the belief that psychological problems should be managed independently, preference for support from friends or family, stigma or fear of being judged, and lack of information about available services. In multivariable analysis, higher self-stigma was associated with lower willingness to seek professional help (OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.93, p<0.001), while more positive attitudes toward professional help increased willingness to seek help (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.08–1.23, p<0.001). Conclusion: Psychological distress was common among Georgian University students, but professional help-seeking remained limited. Reducing stigma and improving mental health literacy may strengthen student mental health support in University settings.

Key words: psychological distress, self-stigma, help-seeking behavior, University students, mental health services, Georgia

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