Final answer:
(Option C)Mistrust of the healthcare system is an internal barrier to seeking help for mental health, influenced by historical and ongoing discrimination. Other factors listed are external barriers. Addressing this mistrust involves efforts to build trust and systemic change.
Step-by-step explanation:
An internal barrier to seeking help for mental health refers to personal beliefs, attitudes, or issues that may prevent an individual from seeking treatment. In the list provided, (option C) mistrust of the health care system is an example of an internal barrier. This mistrust can stem from historical episodes of medical exploitation, such as the Tuskegee Experiment, or contemporary experiences of discrimination and bias in the health care setting. The other options listed, such as inability to pay for services, lack of access to resources, and lack of transportation, are considered external barriers. They originate outside the individual and relate to the broader socioeconomic or logistical aspects of accessing care.
Overcoming mistrust requires ongoing efforts to build trust and rapport with healthcare professionals, as well as systemic changes to ensure equitable treatment. Education, cultural competency training for healthcare providers, and policy reforms aimed at reducing stigmas and improving the quality and availability of services can help in addressing these issues.