Aim <p>The present study examines help-seeking and help-receiving behavior in the Austrian general population, explores associations with symptom burden, and investigates the moderating role of self-stigma.</p> Subject and methods <p>Austrian residents (N=2,025) reported help-seeking behavior using the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire, and self-stigma using the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale. Symptom burden was assessed using validated measures of depression, anxiety, insomnia, perceived stress, loneliness, and alcohol misuse. Moderation analyses explored the role of self-stigma in the relationship between symptom burden and help-seeking, adjusting for covariates.</p> Results <p>Help was most commonly sought from intimate partners and friends, and less common from mental health professionals. Self-stigma was negatively associated with help-seeking intentions, particularly for professional sources (r = -0.40). Symptom burden did not correlate with help-seeking (r &lt; 0.15). Self-stigma moderated the association between loneliness and help-seeking.</p> Conclusion <p>Findings highlight the critical role of self-stigma in shaping help-seeking behaviors. Addressing stigma through public health interventions could improve access to professional mental health support, particularly for those experiencing loneliness or high symptom burden.</p>