Exploring common constructs and everyday language among Indian men in Gauteng

Abstract

Depression is known to be one of the most common mental health disorders, which, if severe, may predispose sufferers to suicidal ideations as well as suicidal attempts. There are approximately 804 000 completed suicides annually worldwide, with men accounting for 57% of this figure. Research that has been conducted regarding depression among men is limited, specifically within the Indian community in South Africa, where social and cultural norms dictate men’s perception of what depression is, what causes depression and, essentially, how to respond to mental illnesses such as depression. These socially and culturally-constructed norms often serve as barriers to preventing men from seeking the help they require. In the aim of exploring how these socially-constructed norms shapes Indian men’s own construction of depression, this study used a qualitative design, specifically purposive sampling, to recruit seven participants and conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data. Data were analysed through thematic analysis and interpreted within the principles of social constructionism. A total of seven themes and 11 sub-themes were discovered. These themes included findings about the understanding of depression within the participants’ community, expectations placed on participants as Indian men and their attitude towards seeking professional help. The findings suggested that the fear of being stigmatized was the most prevalent barrier preventing men from seeking the help they needed. Recommendations for addressing depression in men in the participants’ communities include more psycho-education and guaranteed confidentiality, so they are able to gain access to the help they need without the fear of being stigmatised.