Background

Youth in Lithuania are increasingly facing mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, particularly those aged 14–29. Rapid social, cultural, and economic changes, including digitalization, academic stress, and parental emigration, have created stressors that negatively affect well-being. Stigma and limited access to mental health services also continue to shape help-seeking behaviors.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Lithuanian youth and to explore how academic stress, problematic social media use, stigma, and access to psychological services affect their mental health and willingness to seek help.

Methods

A quantitative survey was conducted with 303 Lithuanian youth aged 14–30, exceeding the required minimum sample size of 278. The survey included validated psychological scales: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 for anxiety, and additional measures on academic stress, social media use, stigma, and access to services. Data were analyzed using regression models and Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess relationships between psychosocial factors and mental health outcomes.

Results

Findings revealed that higher academic stress significantly predicted increased depression symptoms, with consistent effects across genders. Problematic social media use was strongly associated with anxiety, while daily use alone showed no effect. Stigma was only a weak predictor of willingness to seek help, whereas perceived accessibility of services significantly increased help-seeking behaviors. Overall, depression was most pronounced among females and adolescents aged 15–17, and over 60% of respondents reported experiencing bullying.

Conclusion

Lithuanian youth mental health is shaped by academic stress, problematic social media use, and perceived barriers to care. While greater access to services fosters help-seeking, stigma remains a persistent obstacle. Interventions should prioritize reducing academic stress, promoting healthier digital engagement, expanding youth-friendly mental health services, and reducing stigma to foster resilience and well-being.