This commentary highlights the significance of Patricio et al.'s (2025) findings on the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between shyness and help-seeking among Filipino college students. The study challenges assumptions that shyness directly hinders help-seeking and emphasizes the cultural influence of hiya. Notably, self-efficacy mediates help-seeking for suicidal ideation, underscoring its importance in high-risk situations and its relevance for suicide-prevention initiatives in higher education. We further discuss the roles of stigma, social support, and cultural expectations, as well as the need for gender-sensitive research. The commentary advocates culturally grounded interventions to strengthen student mental-health help-seeking.
Triyono et al. (2026) studied this question.