Globally, depression remains a public health concern among adolescents. Understanding the role of help-seeking behaviour in predicting the prevalence of depression among adolescents is important for designing effective interventions. This study investigated the prevalence of depression in relation to help-seeking behaviours among undergraduate university students in Lagos, Nigeria.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Help-seeking Questionnaire were used for the data collection.

There were more females, 159 (64.9%), than males, 86 (35%), and the age range of 16 to 20 years was the majority, 159 (64.9%). Almost all the participants mentioned that they all experienced different types of stress, 243 (99.2%). Regarding the prevalence of depression, about half of the participants, 140 (58%), manifested probable depression. Concerning help-seeking behaviour of the respondents, a significant majority of the participants relied on informal support systems, frequently turning to roommates, friends, or significant others to address their mental health. Concerning the gender-based analysis of mental health and help-seeking behaviour among respondents on personal or emotional problems, there were no significant associations.

The participants sought help from informal sources rather than professional sources due to the prevailing stigma and discrimination among students regarding mental disorders. In light of this, there is an urgent need for periodic screening for mental disorders among undergraduate students to identify those at risk for mental health issues. Professional psychological support and free consulting services should be made available to the students in need. It is also imperative that higher institution authorities and administrators should continue to recognise stressors that students face on campus to offer appropriate support.