Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in men’s experiences and perspectives of mental health issues such as depression. This is due to the fact that research on men that exists, frequently focuses on the prevalence and incidence rates of depression – failing to acknowledge their lived experience and perceptions of depression. As a result, the goal of this study was to add to the understanding of depression by exploring and describing the constructions of depression among black men that live in Mabopane – a township in Pretoria. This study focused on black men because, they have the highest chance of becoming mentally ill due to psychosocial stressors compared to men of other races. The constructions of depression among these men were explored through a social constructionism, intersectional and phenomenological lens. The study used a case study research design, and the sample was selected using the purposive sampling approach. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews with six black men that live in Mabopane were used to obtain data. Thematic analysis was used to undertake in-depth data analysis. The findings indicate that the men in this study experienced feelings of worthlessness, anger, irritation, and hopelessness when they experienced feelings they deemed as depression. According to the men in this study, social comparisons, envy, and break-ups with an intimate partner were all factors that lead to depression. There were also several perspectives on how to deal with depression that emerged. Some men found therapy beneficial, while others recognised the benefits of therapy, but were unable to attend due to practical issues. Participants also suggested that when men are distressed, they they must conceal their emotions. The findings also revealed that men may opt to use substances in order to cope with their distress.. The findings also reavealed that the men in this study believe there is a need for depression-focused information for men that live in Mabopane. Future research could use a more diverse sample or conduct a similar study in a different location or with men of a different race. In addition, future research could consider conducting a similar study, but focused particularly on men in Mabopane who have been diagnosed with depression.
Keywords: constructionism , depression , hegemonic masculinity , mental health .