St. Catharine College

Recent observations have found a large number of supermassive black holes already in place in the first few hundred million years after the Big Bang, many of which seem to be overmassive relative to their host galaxy stellar mass when compared with local relation1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8–9. Several different models have been proposed to explain these findings, ranging from heavy seeds to light seeds experiencing bursts of high accretion rate10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15–16. Yet, current datasets are unable to differentiate between these various scenarios. Here we report the detection, from the JADES survey, of broad Hα emission in a galaxy at z = 6.68, which traces a black hole with a mass of about 4 × 108M⊙ and accreting at a rate of only 0.02 times the Eddington limit. The black hole to host galaxy stellar mass ratio is about 0.4—that is, about 1,000 times above the local relation—whereas the system is closer to the local relations in terms of dynamical mass and velocity dispersion of the host galaxy. This object is most likely an indication of a much larger population of dormant black holes around the epoch of reionization. Its properties are consistent with scenarios in which short bursts of super-Eddington accretion have resulted in black hole overgrowth and massive gas expulsion from the accretion disk; in between bursts, black holes spend most of their life in a dormant state.

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore mental health stigma and its impact on help seeking behaviour. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to mental health stigma and its impact on help seeking behaviour. Preliminary empirical review revealed that mental health stigma, manifesting as public, self, and institutional stigma, significantly impeded help-seeking behavior. Public stigma led to social exclusion and reinforced negative self-perceptions, while self-stigma resulted in feelings of shame and low self-worth, deterring individuals from seeking treatment. Institutional stigma, characterized by discriminatory policies and inadequate resources, further hindered access to care. Effective strategies to combat stigma included public awareness campaigns, empowering interventions, and policy reforms, aiming to create a more supportive environment and improve mental health outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity Theory, Labeling Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour may be used to anchor future studies on mental health stigma and its impact on help- seeking behaviour. The study recommended addressing mental health stigma through theoretical expansion, practical interventions, and policy changes. It emphasized the interconnected nature of public, self, and institutional stigma and suggested tailored anti-stigma interventions, such as contact-based approaches and training programs for practitioners. Policy recommendations included mental health parity laws, early mental health education, and public awareness campaigns. Practical suggestions focused on reducing public stigma through media and educational initiatives, addressing self-stigma with cognitive-behavioral therapy and peer support groups, and enhancing access to care with telehealth services and culturally competent practices.

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