Experiences of depression in black South African young adult men in the workplace

Abstract

Common Mental Disorders are a leading cause of disease burden in the world, with depression being in the top five. South Africa has significantly high rates of depression and suicide. Little research has been conducted on the experiences of depression in black South African young adult men, particularly in the workplace. Cultural and gender norms with regards to depression may have far-reaching consequences on the lives of black South African men. The objectives of this research was to explore how gender, culture, and the workplace influence black South African men’s experiences of depression. Additionally, the risk of suicide, help-seeking behaviours, and factors which may lead to recovery within this population were explored. The research is situated in a qualitative methodology, using an interpretive paradigm, and a phenomenological study was conducted. The researcher used interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) on transcribed semi-structured interviews. The study included three participants, who were black South African males aged 32 to 38 years old and working in urban Gauteng, and who had a diagnosis of depression from a healthcare professional within the last two years. The findings revealed that depression, culture and the workplace had a profound impact on their experience and expression of depression. The participants also struggled within their workplaces while experiencing depression and their ability to work was thus severely impacted which resulted in negative consequences. Furthermore, the participants all struggled with suicidal ideation. The factors which led to recovery were also reported on so that we may gain a deeper understanding of what did help the participants in order to be better equipped to assist others and obtain a better understanding of successful treatment within this population.