A grounded theory analysis on depression and recovery among women

This dissertation is presented in a three-article format. Article 1 is an editorial that discusses how health educators can have an increased role in the mental health field. It discusses the importance of promoting recovery-oriented practices focused on the individual and their personal experience.;Articles 2 and 3 are companion articles entitled, "A Grounded Theory Analysis on Depression and Recovery among Women." A grounded theory analysis was used for these articles to analyze interviews from eighteen women located in the Western United States. Women were asked about their experiences with depression and recovery. Open, axial, and selective coding were used to analyze the data.;Article 2, "The Process from Onset to Recovery," organized the data into three phases of recovery: Phase I: Depressed Mood, Phase II: Turning Point, and Phase III: Recovery. Phase I of recovery discusses: (a) depression triggers, (b) effects of depression on health, and (c) common coping methods used. Phase II discusses components that led women to seek professional help and receive a diagnosis of depression. Phase III discusses methods that women reported were useful in their recovery process. Common barriers to recovery were also discussed.;Article 3, "The Role of Shame and Depression," proposed the shame theory of depression that suggests that social rejection results in shame and low perceived mattering. When individuals experience shame, they feel trapped and powerless. This lack of control can lead to avoidance coping and eventually helplessness. In turn, these factors prompt an individual to disconnect from everything around them, resulting in significant amounts of loneliness. This cycle of shame continues until an individual can reconnect with themselves and others. Connection occurs through experiencing empathy; practicing spirituality, self-compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance; and finding meaning in one's life. The findings reported in these companion articles will have a significant impact on recovery from depression among women.