A Theory on the Components of Depression Self-Management in Older Adults

Abstract

Depression is the most prevalent mental illness in older adults and is expected to increase with population aging. Health care policy in higher income countries increasingly promotes the self-management of long-term conditions, including depression. Scant research has considered how older adults understand and practice self-management. In this article, we present the findings of a grounded theory study which sought to explain how older community-based adults experience and self-manage depression. Interviews and observations were conducted with 32 older adults with a formal diagnosis of moderate depression. Participants responded to a diagnosis of depression by Taking stock, Accessing support, and Reclaiming self-identity. Their efforts were influenced by perspectives on age and depression, access to the health care system, and individual capacity for self-management. Improved understanding of how to facilitate self-management strategies may enable older adults to remain independent and healthier for longer, while moderating the risk of a chronic condition worsening.

Developing Suicide Safety Protocols for Qualitative Research as a Universal Equity Practice

“…Numerous qualitative studies demonstrate the importance of conducting qualitative research with oppressed and repressed populations, including research specifically addressing suicidality with youth (Tingey et al, 2014;Werbart Törnblom et al, 2015), rural populations (Creighton et al, 2017), older adults (Polacsek et al, 2020), and as described in our example, sexual and gender minorities (Ferlatte et al, 2019;Salway & Gesink, 2018). Members of these communities and populations clearly benefit from research that values and describes their lived experiences; exclusion from research is another example of the ways in which structural inequities and systemic racism have added to harms to oppressed communities and individuals.…”

“…Qualitative research methods offer an opportunity to explore the experiences of individuals who have been marginalized and to create more equitable spaces in which their voices may be better amplified so that research, programs, practices, and policies may be tailored to their preferences, needs, and interests. As a result of experiences of trauma and environmental factors, many oppressed and repressed populations have disproportionately high rates of psychological distress and suicide, including older adults (Polacsek et al, 2020), indigenous populations (Kisely et al, 2017;Weniger et al, 2020), and sexual and gender minority populations (Graham et al, 2011;Salway & Gesink, 2018;United Health Foundation, 2019). However, there are no widely accepted standards or best practices for addressing suicidality while conducting qualitative research.…”

Self-management of depression and anxiety amongst frail older adults in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study

“…In this context, self-management strategies may play a significant role in improving mood disorders in this population [ 36 ]. Self-management is defined as ‘taking increased responsibility for one’s own health, behaviour and well-being’ [ 37 ].…”