South Asian Canadian experiences of depression

This narrative research study explored the socio-cultural context surrounding depression through semi-structured interviews with six South Asian Canadian participants, who self identified as having experienced depression. The study sought to expand on the knowledge of depression and South Asian Canadians by considering the roles of the family, the community, and the culture in the experiences of depression. Thematic analysis of the participant interviews resulted in five major themes: the experience of depression, the influence of family, the influence of socio-cultural factors, the psychological impact, and the utilization of coping strategies. The findings of the study suggested that the family, the community, the culture, and gender inequality were influential factors in the experiences of depression. The results of the research study can also offer relevant knowledge that can assist in the efforts to provide culturally sensitive treatment for South Asian Canadians suffering from depression.