Patient Experiences in Dealing with Depressive Disorders: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Depressive disorder is a mental health problem that has a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, including psychological, social, and daily functioning aspects. Although various interventions have been developed, an in-depth understanding of patients' subjective experiences in dealing with depression is still limited, especially in a cultural context. This study aims to explore patients' experiences in dealing with depressive disorder. The study used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The population in this study were patients with depressive disorders, with a sample of 7 participants from a total population of 15 people selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, then analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study identified three main themes, namely (1) deep emotional experiences such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of meaning in life, (2) challenges in carrying out daily activities and social interactions, and (3) coping efforts made by patients, both internally and through external support such as family and health professionals. These findings indicate that the experience of depression is complex and influenced by various personal and social factors. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the importance of a holistic and empathy-based approach in psychiatric nursing care. The practical implications of this research are the need to strengthen nursing interventions that focus on emotional support and enhancing adaptive coping strategies. Further research is recommended to explore more contextual and culturally based interventions