Social Work Interventions Supporting the Recovery of Women with Major Depressive Disorder: Insights from Lived Experiences

Abstract

Globally, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability and disproportionately affects women. Despite advances in clinical and pharmacological treatments, many women with MDD continue to face complex psychosocial challenges that extend beyond the scope of conventional care. This highlights the need for social work interventions that support a more holistic and sustainable recovery process. Therefore, this qualitative narrative study explored the lived experiences of five women with MDD to identify their recovery needs and examine the implications for social work practice. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed three interrelated areas that participants perceived as important in supporting recovery. First, participants highlighted the importance of structured peer support training, particularly in relation to active listening, boundary setting, confidentiality, and crisis management, to foster safe and supportive environments. Second, the findings underscored the importance of community psychoeducation and advocacy involving families, educational institutions, workplaces, and society in reducing mental health stigma and addressing environmental stressors. Third, participants emphasized the value of holistic approaches to recovery that integrate psychiatric treatment with spiritual support and alternative therapeutic spaces. These findings provide practical insights for medical and community social workers in supporting the recovery of women with MDD and contribute to the development of more person-centred and recovery-oriented mental health services.