Depression and help seeking in the Sri Lankan-Australian and Anglo-Australian community: A qualitative exploration

The current qualitative study examined the role of culture in the conceptualization of depression and illness behaviours in Sri Lankan migrants residing in Australia and Anglo-Australians. The specific study objectives were to investigate: Patient’s perceptions of their depression; how culture shapes illness behaviours; the influence of social networks on health care trajectories; how stigma operates across cultural groups; and to identify evidence-based interventions specifically designed to treat depression in migrant communities. Findings highlighted the necessity to shift away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach towards the development of programs and interventions tailored to be salient to target migrant communities.