Background: Older African American women underutilize mental health services to treat their depression. There are limited qualitative studies on older African American women living with depression, so it is essential to hear their stories and understand this population's low rate of mental health treatment. Objective: This qualitative study used hermeneutic phenomenological analysis to explore and understand the experience of older African American women living with depression. The study also explored how stigma, culture, and religious beliefs play a role in their view on depression and mental health treatment. Method: The researcher used purposive sampling to recruit eleven participants from senior centers and churches that met the study's inclusion criteria. The study's eleven participants ranged from 50 to 70 years old. The researcher analyzed the data from semi-structured interviews to develop a deeper understanding of the participants' experiences living with depression Results: Four major themes resulted from the data, including difficulty in daily functioning, coping strategies, barriers to treatment, and impact of culture, religion, and stigma. Stigma was the predominant factor underlying participants' experiences living with depression and seeking mental health treatment. Discussion: Participants described mistrust and a lack of understanding when they sought treatment for their depression. The low rate of treatment can be improved when mental health clinicians address barriers to accessing treatment and incorporate cultural discussions in their treatment approaches. A strong support system, practicing holistic interventions, and positive connections to mental health clinicians emerged as effective methods to cope with depression.
Keywords: African American women, depression. mental health treatment