Lesbians' Constructions of Depression

Abstract

Lesbians are a marginalized group of women living in a heteronormative society. This study describes lesbians' subjective experiences of depression, and identifies the ways that dominant and alternative discourses shaped their understandings of depression and sexuality. Twelve self-identified lesbians participated in up to three in-depth interviews conducted over a 9-month period. Thematic analysis led to themes that explicated their physical and emotional descriptions of depression; identified troubled interpersonal relationships as a primary source of depression; and discussed the means implemented to cope with depression, including taking medication, engaging in therapy, developing social support networks, and discovering their own spirituality. Depression and sexuality were understood within the framework of the dominant discourses of (1) medical model, (2) dysfunctional family, and (3) organized religion; and the alternative discourses of (1) lesbian identity, (2) alternative families, and (3) spirituality. Nurses in clinical practice can assist depressed lesbian clients by bolstering explorations of spirituality and the development of strong support networks within the lesbian and gay communities. Politically, institutionalized heteronormativity must be attacked at every level.