Family members’ experiences with depression through the lens of Frank’s illness narratives

Abstract

Background

Depression impacts around 300 million people worldwide and places significant strain on families who care for relatives with chronic mental health conditions. This strain can lead to substantial burdens and affect the mental health and well-being of family members.

Aim

This study explores family members’ experiences with depression through the lens of Frank’s illness narratives.

Methods

Employing a narrative inquiry approach, interviews were conducted with eight family members of adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The data were analysed through the lens of Frank’s illness narratives.

Findings

Family members’ experiences revealed a complex interplay of narratives that reflected the elements of the narratives of quest, chaos, and restitution. The narratives illustrated an ongoing process of adaptation, meaning-making, and personal transformation while living with a family member diagnosed with depression. All narratives portrayed the concept of hope, and this was manifested in different ways across the narrative types.

Conclusion

While Frank’s narratives traditionally focus on individuals living with chronic health conditions, this study extends the work to the family member perspective, revealing how families navigate the burden, distress, and challenges of depression while also experiencing personal growth and hope. This paper expands our understanding of the broader impacts of depression on families.