Women's experience of treatment for depression: a phenomenological study

Cumby, Jill (2006) Women's experience of treatment for depression: a phenomenological study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Treatment programs for persons with severe depression have eased the suffering that this condition causes and have allowed many women to have an increased quality of life. However, little research has been published on how women experience their treatment. The purpose of this study is to describe women's experience of treatment in programs for depression (inpatient treatment, mental health day treatment, and mental health outpatient treatment) and to gain a greater understanding of this experience. Six women who participated in these programs were recruited for the study. Data were generated through one-on-one unstructured interviews. -- The methodology for this study was phenomenology as outlined by Colaizzi (1978). Phenomenology seeks to describe a phenomenon as perceived by the individual. Therefore, the women's experience is presented using their own words as much as possible, while maintaining confidentiality of the women. -- Data were clustered under six themes; (a) feeling a sense of safety and relief, (b) frustration of learning to navigate the system, (c) making connections with others in a similar situation, (d) finding therapeutic staff members, (e) learning new insights and skills, and (f) gaining some control over your illness. These interrelated themes illustrate what it is like for women to take part in treatment programs for their depression. -- Findings from the study will contribute to the knowledge and understanding of how women who have depression experience treatment in selected programs. A number of practice, education, and research implications for nurses and other health professionals come from this research.

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