"Being in a funk": teens' efforts to understand their depressive experiences

Qual Health Res. 2004 Nov;14(9):1227-38. doi: 10.1177/1049732304268657.

Abstract

Although there is literature about adults' experiences of depression, little research has focused on teenagers' experiences. In this article, the authors describe how a sample of adolescents makes sense of depression and responds to a depression diagnosis. Twenty-two adolescents participated in in-depth individual or focus group interviews. Teens discussed their experiences with depression and getting health care for depression, and described a trajectory similar to that found among adults: a slow growth of distress, a time of being in a funk, and a time of consideration of whether they are depressed. Teens who received a diagnosis from a medical provider then sought to make sense of their depression. Teens understood a depression diagnosis as a helpful label, a chronic medical problem, or a significant part of their identity. Understanding the subjective experience of adolescents who are depressed might increase health care providers'empathy and improve their communication with teens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Maintenance Organizations
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Oregon
  • Psychology, Adolescent*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Schools
  • Washington