Experiencing depression: Women's perspectives

Abstract

Feminism proposes that all fields and disciplines re-examine their knowledge for inclusion of women's perspectives, women's ways of knowing, and consideration for the social experience of being female. This qualitative study applied feminist research principles in examining adult women experiencing depression and trying to recover from it. The core research question was, "What is the recovery period like for women with depression?" Ten women participated in sharing their perceptions of: (1) ability to function and assume their usual role responsibilities, (2) quality of interpersonal relationships, (3) the recovery experience, and (4) the impact depression has had on the self. Open-ended interviews, two self-report measures (depression and perceived stress), and self-reflective journals were used to gather data over a period of one month. The theme of "loss of self" was identified to describe the primary experience of depression from the perspective of the participants. Secondary themes described the "transformed self." Women identified their expectations of recovery as wanting to regain certain aspects of the self, but also wanting to move onto something new. The findings suggest feminist theory is useful in understanding women's perceptions of their experiences. Further, feminism offers an alternative explanation for participants' responses in a genderized world.