Exploring the expression of depression and distress in aboriginal men in central Australia: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundDespite being at heightened risk of developing mental illness, there has been little research into the experience of depression in Australian Aboriginal populations. This study aimed to outline the expression, experience, manifestations and consequences of emotional distress and depression in Aboriginal men in central Australia.MethodsUtilizing a grounded theory approach, in depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 theoretically sampled young, middle aged and senior Aboriginal men and traditional healers. Analysis was conducted by a single investigator using constant comparison methods.ResultsDepressive symptoms were common and identifiable, and largely consistent with symptom profiles seen in non-Aboriginal groups. For Aboriginal men, depression was expressed and understood as primarily related to weakness or injury of the spirit, with a lack of reference to hopelessness and specific somatic complaints. The primary contributors to depression related to the loss of connection to social and cultural features of Aboriginal life, cumulative stress and marginalisation.ConclusionsDepression and depressive symptomatology clearly exists in Aboriginal men, however its determinants and expression differ from mainstream populations. Emotions were understood within the construction of spirit, Kurunpa, which was vulnerable to repetitive and powerful negative social forces, loss, and stress across the life course, and served to frame the physical and emotional experience and expression of depression.

Prevalence of depression and its associations with cardio-metabolic control in Aboriginal and Anglo-Celt patients with type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

“…Given the substantial differences in culture and community between Aboriginal Australians and the non-Aboriginal population, community-specific and culturally appropriate strategies are needed to promote screening for depression in Aboriginal patients with type 2 diabetes [39]. Identification of the potentially large proportion of patients with unrecognised or untreated or under-treated depression should be linked with a detailed assessment of alcohol use, smoking habit and cardiovascular risk factors which are likely to be relatively adverse but modifiable [40].…”

Men's Views on Depression: A Systematic Review and Metasynthesis of Qualitative Research

“…Studies focusing on socially disadvantaged or marginalized groups reported on further social factors contributing to depression: in a study on depression in Aboriginal men in Australia, depression appeared as a consequence of "recurrent, cumulative stress, disadvantage, marginalization, oppression, forced separation and an overwhelming sense of loss" [45] . In US-based studies, African-American men reported on the consequences of sociostructural factors such as unemployment, homelessness, racism, and sexism on their mental health [23,46] .…”

Associations with dental caries experience among a convenience sample of Aboriginal Australian adults

“…The three dental behaviour variables were toothbrush ownership (yes, no), brushing teeth the previous day (yes, no) and toothpaste use (yes, no). The three psychological health variables were scared of dentist (little bit, fair bit or heaps vs no), psychological distress as measured by a modified Kessler-6 (K6) instrument for use among Aboriginal Australians and psychological distress as measured by a modified Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) instrument for use among Aboriginal Australians 12,13 . The sum of each scale was calculated to create mean scores, with each scale score then trichotomised into 'low', 'moderate' or 'high' groups.…”