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Stigma Towards Depression in Rural Ireland: A Qualitative Exploration

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Abstract

The configuration of one’s social environment influences the course and experience of depression. Research suggests that experiencing depression is associated with stigmatisation and the concomitant experiencing of discrimination across many facets of social life. This is identified as a particularly important factor in rural communities. Contemporary work is absent in relation to understanding the stigma towards depression in Ireland, and its manifestation in rural Ireland specifically. Evidence is presented which suggests that depression is a significant source of stigmatisation in this setting, and that entrenched views centring upon disability and fear are prevalent.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin. Permission to complete this research was sought from, and granted by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Science, Trinity College Dublin.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dublin, Ireland

    Conor Kennedy

Authors
  1. Conor Kennedy
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Correspondence to Conor Kennedy.

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Conflict of interest

The author knows of no conflict of interest.

Appendix– Semi-Structured Interview Schedule

Appendix– Semi-Structured Interview Schedule

Opening of Interview

Please tell me something about yourself, where you are from, what you do…

Topic Guide

  • Perceived community knowledge of depression—manifestation, causes, and treatment possibilities.

  • Origins of community knowledge of depression.

  • Relationships with those with depression.

  • Perceived hypothetical comfort/discomfort of others with those with depression—friend, colleague etc…

  • Views on stigma attached to depression.

  • Depression seen as a form of weakness?

  • Understood local rural community responses to depression/mental health issues.

  • Depression as source of gossip in rural communities - familiarity with colloquial terms for depression.

  • Perceived local knowledge and origins of above.

  • Practical responses to depression stigma in the community—social distancing?

  • Perceived practical (day-to-day), social and professional implications of potential discrimination.

  • Implications for potential individual social support structures.

Example of Probes

  • And why do you think that is?

  • What do you think might be driving this behaviour/thinking?

  • Can you think of any instances of this in your own community?

  • That’s really interesting, have you any other examples of this?

Conclusion of Interview

  • Offer opportunity to revisit all aspects of interview.

  • Reiterate researcher contact details.

  • Ask if any queries about any aspect of the study/their participation.

  • Thank for participation.

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Cite this article

Kennedy, C. Stigma Towards Depression in Rural Ireland: A Qualitative Exploration. Community Ment Health J 54, 334–342 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0200-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0200-1

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