Introduction - Social Support Strategies for Depressed Patients
Background and Context
Having a robust system of social support is crucial to one's physical and emotional well-being. High-quality positive social support has been shown to lessen the negative effects of stress, decrease the likelihood of developing trauma-related psychopathology, mitigate the negative effects of trauma-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and lower the risk of both medical complications and death. As per the view of Pilania et al. (2019), the field of psychiatry has made relatively few contributions to the testing, development, and implementation of successful evidence-based treatments aimed at boosting social patient support and at-risk populations, even though such interventions have been shown to improve patients' physical and mental health. Despite countless research showing the beneficial impacts of social support, this remains the case.
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The main problem is that due to a lack of social support, patients with depression feel more stressed and they do not feel cared for, loved, belonging, and respected. As per the view of Lin et al. (2019), people who do not receive social care face a high level of health risk. This is a problem as a higher level of health risk makes a person weaker which again enhances their fear of losing status and dignity. Dysfunctional social behaviour in individuals has been connected to the sense of depression.
Figure 1.1: The percentage of young individuals in the United Kingdom (UK) who said they had experienced or were feeling depressed between 2009 and 2021
In the above figure, it has been depicted that the percentage of people who said they often or always feel gloomy or depressed increased dramatically from 15% in 2010 to 41% in 2021 (Statista, 2022). People with more severe depression have more negative social encounters and respond more strongly to them when they do happen. This is a problem now as patients with severe depression had a higher rate of successful suicide attempts. There were roughly 5,600 suicides in the United Kingdom in 2019, with a far higher rate of male suicide than females (Statista, 2022). Sometimes commonly found together with suicidal ideation is the act of intentionally harming oneself, also known as self-injury. Younger people are more likely to engage in self-inflicted damage. The study sheds light on the importance of social care to protect patients with depression.
Research Questions
What is the relationship between social support and social care for patients with depression?
What are the challenges faced by patients with chronic depression for a lack of social support?
What are the strategies to support patients with depression?
Research hypothesis
H0: Social care and social support have a negative impact on patients with chronic depression
H1: Social care and social support has a positive impact on patients with chronic depression
Relevance and Importance of the Research
This research is important to analyse the gap in social care to help patients with depression. Research on this topic can help healthcare professionals to increase awareness in society to deal with patients effectively and positively with dementia. In this way, these people will be managed in society with special care that can help them overcome their diseases. Moreover, what specific challenges they are facing in society in terms of support can also be measured in this study which can help the healthcare professional to bridge the gap between social care and depression management. Lastly, the research provides a direction to the existing theories in this field in terms of further changes in the modern social context.
Literature review
Conceptual framework
Figure 2.1: Conceptual Framework
Key Concepts, Theories, and Studies
Social care: In England, the term "social care" refers to the provision of personal care, social work, protection, or social support services to adults or children who are in need or at risk, or to adults who have needs as a result of illness, disability, old age, or poverty (Zhong, Wang & Nicholas, 2020). These services may be provided to children or adults.
Social Support: As stated by Wondimagegnehu et al. (2019), the idea that one is cared for, that one has aid available from other people, and, most importantly, that one is a part of a supportive social network are all components of what is known as the perception and reality of social support, respectively.
Chronic Depression: As opined by Qi et al. (2020), chronic and long-lasting depression is referred to as persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Feelings of sadness and emptiness may arise, along with a lack of motivation to carry out even the most basic of duties. Perhaps people lack confidence, see themselves as a failure, and see little future for themselves.
Theoretical paradigm
According to Wiesmaierova et al. (2019), one's behaviour is more likely to reflect others’ behaviour if it is rewarded in the environment, as proposed by the social learning theory. According to this theory, if social care and support are rewarded in an environment people will be motivated to show it to patients with chronic depression. Systems theory starts from the concept that each complex system can be broken down into simpler systems and that it is the interplay between these simpler systems that gives rise to the complex system. In this way, social support or social care is a complex system that is made up of a simple system of individual care.
It is the interaction between a person and the social environment in which they discover themselves daily that is credited as the driving force behind their growth in psychosocial theories. As per the view of Sun et al. (2020), structures, rules, rituals, roles, and sanctions in society all work together to shape members toward a common grownup ideal. This practice exists so that communities can influence members' development. A person's behaviour could be explained by their unconscious mental processes and by the habits of relating to others that they developed throughout their formative years.
Figure 2.2: Psychodynamic theory
In its simplest form, the psychodynamic theory proposes that a person's behaviour is determined by elements that are not immediately obvious to them. Thus, behaviours such as anger, loss of self-worth and self-esteem, and being egoistic moments are signs of a person being depressed. As stated by Kong et al. (2020), the social exchange theory is a hypothesis that claims that when two people get close, they do so after carefully considering the pros and cons of staying that way. Alternatively stated, it is a scale designed to quantify the energy invested in a personal relationship. In this context, the social benefits of supporting patients with chronic depression must be explained to the community by healthcare workers. This can help people engage in social support and social care.
Key Debates and Controversies
Impact of social support on mental health
Depending on the individual's life circumstances, the strength of their social support network may be high or low. Negative effects on mental health can be caused, in part, by factors such as social isolation and feelings of inadequacy, a lack of social support, or an unwillingness to accept treatment. As opined by Simon et al. (2021), patients with a poor level of social support are more prone to resort to self-medication when dealing with mental health concerns, according to research undertaken in nations including China, Kenya, and the United States. Self-medication, on the other hand, is much less effective than professional interventions like psychotherapy.
The level of social support an individual receives may also influence their health-related habits. According to Ochoa-Morales et al. (2019), food, exercise, smoking, and alcohol (or another drug), use is all examples of lifestyle choices that can have an impact on one's health, as can the opinions of one's social network and the general public. Social support can aid in the following situations:
Building resilience means getting stronger in the face of adversity.
The prevention of emotional damage and the promotion of positive mental health throughout one's entire life.
raising one's self-esteem
lessening one's risk of cardiovascular disease by modifying lifestyle factors like blood pressure
Increasing the prevalence of healthful lifestyle choices
Boosting people's propensity to stick to their treatment regimen
Different Types of Social Support
Assisting one another emotionally
As per the view of Sierau et al. (2019), emotional support refers to the feeling of well-being that comes from another person's concern, sympathy, and empathy. Support typically comes from those who are close to an individual, including family and friends, or from someone they trust and can talk to about their feelings. Emotional support is helpful for someone who suffers from depression so that they do not feel alone. A depressed person's perception of being loved and cared for by others is crucial because of the risk of the depressed person experiencing emotions of worthlessness.
Figure 2.3: Concern of young people regarding their health issues
In the above figure, it has been depicted that mental health conditions were the main concern of 71283 people in the UK in 2020 (Statista, 2022).
Assist Needed in the Real World
As stated by Park et al. (2019), practical support, often known as "tangible support" or "logistical support," includes things like having other people help depressed people run errands and do boring tasks. Things like grocery shopping, prescription refills, and doctor's appointment scheduling are basic support that people may provide. Someone suffering from depression can benefit greatly from having someone around to help them with their day-to-day tasks.
Help with finding information
As opined by Li, Jiang & Zhang (2019), informational assistance may take the form of advice, lessons, or the sharing of knowledge. A person who provides depression-controlling aid might provide helpful information regarding depression, give guidance if a person is considering a major decision or switching therapies, suggest ways to deal with their feelings, and aid them in finding answers to their difficulties.
Praise for One's Reputation
According to Li et al. (2020), help that reminds people with chronic depression of their accomplishments and boosts their confidence is called "esteem support." It is also known as evaluative support. Some people can do this by saying that person that they believe in that person, while others, like counsellors and life coaches, make it their business to help a person feel better about themselves.
Barriers to providing social support
As per the view of Lu et al. (2020), getting social support is difficult because of things like high interpersonal costs, difficulty gaining acceptance or intimacy, unpleasant experiences, or a fear of being outed. The interpersonal cost of social support demotivates people to take an effective approach to helping people with chronic mental illness. Moreover, the lack of awareness among people regarding mental health disorders is a significant reason for the lack of social support. Lack of education reduces the possibility of accepting people with chronic depression and mental health issues. Furthermore, patients also have fear of disclosure of their mental state. This also hinders them from getting appropriate social support. Poor people in the UK get fewer opportunities to afford mental health treatments (Sheffield, 2018).
As stated by Abbas et al. (2019), stigma may be a barrier to receiving help from others. Distinction from the normative is signified by the stigmatising label. People who are stigmatised are often called "outcasts" and are seen as less deserving of society's privileges. Those who are stigmatised face discrimination and a loss of status as a result of the general public's negative perception of them. Stigmatized persons find it more challenging to maintain relationships with others since societal rejection makes it more challenging for them to do so.
As opined by Giebel et al. (2021), isolation is a common effect of stigma, and it increases the likelihood that a stigmatised person would acquire a poor sense of identity, a lack of confidence, and a sense of powerlessness. Stigma ultimately lowers the standard of living for those considered "outcasts." This is because it becomes a source of stress in and of itself while also preventing people from engaging in vital types of social connection and restricting their access to necessary resources.
Figure 2.4: Impact of social stigma and bullying on people
In the above figure, it has been depicted that people in a survey in the UK believe that social stigma and bullying are mainly responsible for developing depression and anxiety among them in 2020 (Statista, 2022). People with mental health issues are often stigmatised because of the "other" label society gives them. As a result, they often lack access to the support systems they need to recover from their disease.
Discriminatory names like "psycho" or "loony" are still hurled at people today, despite the decline in their use during the 1960s and 1970s. Stigmatization of those who suffer from mental illness is not limited to the use of derogatory terms to describe them; it also includes the attitudes and behaviours of others around them. According to Catabay et al. (2019), due to the negative connotations connected with mental illness, most people want to keep their distance from those who are afflicted.
As per the view of Gyasi, Phillips & Abass (2019), fear and misunderstanding made the public's reasoning for rejecting those with mental health issues. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that those who suffer from mental illness "deserve pity," "are weak," and "are responsible for their affliction."
Furthermore, it is commonly believed that those with mental diseases or illnesses are more likely to act violently. As stated by Siarava et al. (2019), people often believe that those with mental disorders or mental illnesses are more likely to participate in violent behaviour, despite data showing that this is not the case and that they are, in fact, more likely to be the victims of violence than those who do not have a mental disease.
Strategies to improve or establish social support for depressed persons
Social awareness and education
Make use of networking sites: In order to keep in touch with loved ones and the world at large, people can use social networking sites and apps. As an added bonus, some individuals find it easier to open up about their struggles with mental health while doing so in an online forum rather than face-to-face with a stranger. As opined by Choi et al. (2019), people use social media to share encouraging words, useful information, suicide hotline numbers, and resources for getting help.
Casual discussion on mental illness: According to Ma et al. (2020), a casual discussion among family members and friends can help people facing depression. A direct or direct discussion on mental illness can help a person identify the ways to overcome it.
Volunteering
Sharing experience: As per the view of Choi et al. (2019), personal experience sharing on depression is effective to help depressed people share their feelings openly. Sharing experiences with others through storytelling can have a profound effect on both parties. It gives people confidence that they are not alone in their struggles and that they can overcome them.
Make Donations to Charities: As stated by Siarava et al. (2019), non-profit groups are active in the fight against mental illness stigma and in facilitating the provision of necessary services to those in need. Contributing financially is a great way to help others.
Conducting Reward program
Inspire people to reach out for help: As opined by Gyasi, Phillips & Abass (2019), people must address people with mental illness and if they have any suicidal thoughts. After addressing that issue people must communicate politely with that person. In the same way, medication can help someone with a physical condition.
Gaps in Existing Knowledge
The main gap in this literary discussion is that it did not shed light on the benefits of social support to patients with chronic depression. Moreover, the connection between physical and mental health could also be elaborated on in this study. The difference between negative and positive social support could also be evaluated in this study. Lastly, the association between social support and loneliness could also be discussed in this study.
Summary
Based on the above discussion it can be summarized that persons who suffer from mental health issues are often unfairly stigmatised and separated from society. Increased suffering and alienation for people with mental illness are direct results of the widespread negative attitudes held by the general public, which in turn contribute to the maintenance of the stigma surrounding these conditions. There is a good chance that persons who suffer from mental illness will not get the necessary social help if they are kept apart from the rest of society. If these people are stigmatised for being "different," they will have a harder time managing their condition and succeeding in other areas of life.
Research design and methods
Research design
A descriptive research design has been followed in this research to describe the causal relations among variables. According to Almeida (2018), when using the descriptive method of research, trends in social care can be identified and investigated by tracking the evolution of a set of variables through time. In a variety of settings, this method of inquiry would prove useful. Descriptive research was useful for comparing how diverse groups of people react to a range of similar and dissimilar factors related to social support for mentally ill people. It helps in identifying the characteristics of the objects of study. This may include things like thoughts, characteristics, habits, and so on. Descriptive research was useful for determining the reliability of a current state of affairs because it necessitates a thorough investigation of all relevant factors before reaching any conclusions. Due to the nature of this study, this is a necessary condition.
Figure 3.1: Research Onion
For the purpose of this research, a survey research approach was utilised to collect credible information from customers of internet banking services in the UK. Because mobile and internet surveys are more convenient for data collecting because they take less time and money from respondents, this research technique was chosen because it was more likely to yield accurate results. As opined by Arifin, Cheyne & Maxwell (2020), the cost-effectiveness of conducting surveys using online questionnaires is superior to that of conducting surveys using paper questionnaires. This is the case even when considering incentives for respondents such as freebies and prizes.
This research collected data addressing the impact of social care and social support on patients with chronic depression in a rapid and easy manner by using various channels such as online and smartphone surveys. As per the view of Hall, Savas-Hall & Shaw (2022), because both the respondents' identity and their responses are always kept confidential, there is a high level of trust among those who participate in surveys. Participants had a greater propensity to speak truthfully and openly since they were aware that their replies would not be tied back to them in any way.
Since an objective evaluation was the primary goal of this study, positivism was selected as the research philosophy to guide it. According to Lassoued, Alhendawi & Bashitialshaaer (2020), quantitative research is more trustworthy than qualitative research since it uses a more "scientific" method to answer research issues. In the name of science, researchers have access to quantifiable data that provides objective and measurable information about the benefits and drawbacks of a lack of social support.
Positivism has strict rules for both research and discussion. This study methodology was selected since there was limited room for error in maintaining compliance with the criteria (Lassoued, Alhendawi & Bashitialshaaer, 2020). Due to the study's efforts to conform to specific standards by employing objective scientific and mathematical instruments, it proved to be more accurate in trials and applications. The aforementioned framework made this possible by leaving a limited opportunity for fluctuations or other large changes in the variables in question (Mishra et al. 2019).
Figure 3.2: Deductive research approach
This study used a deductive approach to see if an existing theory or phenomenon related to social support might be successfully adapted to a different context. Lassoued, Alhendawi & Bashitialshaaer (2020) draw the conclusion that "the deductive approach follows the path of logic the most closely." Deductive reasoning can also be defined as "logic from the general to the specific," while inductive reasoning is defined as "reasoning from the specific to the general." This means that, in contrast to inductive research, which has nothing to do with hypotheses whatsoever, deductive methods require the development and testing of hypotheses. The use of hypotheses is completely outside the scope of the inductive investigation.
Methods and Sources
Mono method of research was opted to complete the research within the stipulated budget and time (Hall, Savas-Hall & Shaw, 2022). Primary quantitative data have been collected in the form of an online survey. 13 closed-ended questions were developed throughout the survey's administration to learn more about respondents' experiences with depression and the difficulties they encountered in society. In order to collect data from the respondent’s email ID of patients were taken with their consent during their visiting time to the hospitals in the UK, which include Care UK, Ramsay Health Care UK, and Spire Healthcare. It was decided to create a Google Forms poll and send it out to active depressed patients. Quantitative data has been collected from 30 patients of chronic depression aged between 18 to 60 from several hospitals in the UK. The responses of respondents who completely answered the survey questionnaire have been selected for analysing. The statistical data analysis method was done with the help of SPSS (Hall, Savas-Hall, & Shaw, 2022).
Cross-sectional studies were used in this study to characterise a population, examine the factors that affect health, and establish the frequency of health outcomes. As stated by Lassoued, Alhendawi & Bashitialshaaer (2020), cross-sectional studies differ from other types of observational studies in that they do not follow individuals over a long period of time. In this case, cross-sectional studies were the best option because of the way the data was collected.
Figure 3.3: Random sampling technique
Utilizing a random sampling technique assured that the results obtained from the sample are representative of what could be found in the study and were applied to the entire population. As opined by Mishra et al. (2019), the essence of what is known as a simple random sample is selecting a subset of the population at random with each unit in the population having an equal probability of being selected.
Research Timeline
Figure 3.4: Gantt Chart
Practical Considerations
A valid consent form was given to the participants, and they were informed of the experiment's scope, purpose, and methods. The Data Protection Act of 2018 was strictly followed, and identifying information was removed from the primary quantitative data, which had been gathered using a method that was developed specifically for this purpose (gov, 2022). No data was lost or altered in any way during the whole data collection and processing method. Considering the digital nature of the data collection, the documents containing them were protected by complex passwords. The data was stored in a safe place and protected as much as possible against unauthorised access. Using encryption, the information may be sent to the other people involved over the internet without worrying about anyone else reading it. The firewall and security software were regularly updated to ensure that the network was always safe from the most recent dangers.
Data analysis and discussion
Descriptive statistics
From the descriptive analysis it can be stated that most of the participants in this research study were female (73.3%). It is indicating that the prevalence of depression in the UK is higher among the women population. The prevalence of the major depressive disorder in the United Kingdom was 7.5%, with 6.2% of males and 8.6% of females potentially suffering from the illness (Office of National Statistics, 2021).
Table 4.1: Age (Frequency)
The above graph represents the age group of most of the respondents from 45 to 60 This is indicating that the prevalence of depression is higher among people aged 45 to 60. In comparison to those between the ages of 16 and 29, those between the ages of 45 and 59 had a much higher prevalence of what is a probable depressive disorder (Pilania et al. 2019).
Table 4.2: Marital status (Frequency)
In the above figure, it has been highlighted that rather than married and unmarried couples, divorced, single parents and people having different marital statuses are more likely to develop depression. As per the view of Catabay et al. (2019), if a single parent is having trouble making ends meet, it can have a serious impact on their mental health. Sadness, anxiety, and isolation are magnified as a result.
In the above table, the sig value among emotional support and chronic depression management is 0.001 which is less than 0.05. Thus, there is a significant relationship among these variables, and it rejects the null hypothesis. Therefore, in order to manage people with depression, providing emotional support is necessary.
In the above table, the sig value among instrumental support and chronic depression management is 0.001 which is less than 0.05, and it rejects the null hypothesis. Thus, there is a significant relationship between these variables. Therefore, in order to manage people with depression, providing instrumental support is necessary.
The above table is showing that there is an appropriate and significant relationship between information support and chronic depression management the p-value is less than 0.05, and it rejects the null hypothesis. Information-gathering and sharing aimed at aiding others, including the provision of guidance are some effective ways to provide informational support to patients with chronic depression.
Appraisal _ managing chronic depression
Table 4.8: T-test (Appraisal _ of managing chronic depression)
Appraisal support can also be given to patients with chronic depression to involve people in social care. The p-value among these two variables is again less than 0.05 which is indicating that there are significant associations between these two variables and it rejects the null hypothesis. Taking over someone else's chores to ease their burden is a concrete method to help them feel supported. Taking an active attitude to aid somebody in managing a difficulty they are going through is another approach to show tangible assistance (Giebel et al. 2021). Unlike informational assistance, tangible support really helps to do something about the issue at hand, such as having someone bring food while a patient is unwell or helping them brainstorm possible solutions.
Correlations testing
lack of awareness_ of managing chronic depression
Table 4.9: Correlations testing (lack of awareness_ managing chronic depression)
In the above table, it has been depicted that the P-value among lack of awareness and managing chronic depression is negative (-0.161). This is indicating that there is a negative relationship between these two variables. Thus, it can be stated that when there is a lack of awareness in society regarding depression, it's difficult to manage people with chronic depression in society.
Fear and misunderstanding_ managing chronic depression
Table 4.10: Correlations testing (Fear and misunderstanding_ managing chronic depression)
In the above table, it has been depicted that the P-value among fear and misunderstanding and managing chronic depression is negative (-0.438). This is indicating that there is a negative relationship between these two variables. Thus, it can be stated that when there is fear and misunderstanding in society regarding depression, it's difficult to manage people with chronic depression in society.
Chi-square test
Reward programs_ for managing chronic depression
Table 4.11: Chi-square test (Reward programs_ managing chronic depression)
In the above table, the sig value among reward programs and chronic depression management is 0.001. As this value is less than 0.05, it can be stated that there is a significant and positive relationship between conducting reward programs and managing chronic depression. On the other hand, Abbas et al. (2019), highlighted that reward has a direct negative impact on sharing effective knowledge and ideas among people. Rather it promotes developing a give-and-take relationship among people. As human nature appreciates the activities of recognizing, providing rewards for their approaches to help patients with chronic depression can be a way to engage them in the caretaking process.
volunteer work_ managing chronic depression
Table 4.12: Chi-square test (volunteer work_ managing chronic depression)
In the above table, the sig value among reward programs and chronic depression management is 0.001. As this value is less than 0.05, it can be stated that there is a significant and positive relationship between conducting volunteer work and managing chronic depression. As most of the people in the lower middle-class community cannot afford the high cost of treating mental illness, volunteering can help them to cope with their situations positively (Lu et al. 2020). In this work, volunteers can provide the patients with appropriate ways to be satisfied with their life. These social workers can promote psychological well-being and positive mental support.
In the above table, the sig value among negative stigma related to depression in society and chronic depression management is 0.000. As this value is less than 0.05, it can be stated that there is a significant relationship between negative stigma and managing chronic depression. Thus, negative social stigma related to depressed people that they are weak is a barrier for depressed patients to get help and support from society.
Mental health education_ managing chronic depression
Table 4.14: T-test (Mental health education_ managing chronic depression)
In the above table, the sig value among reward programs and chronic depression management is 0.000. As this value is less than 0.05, it can be stated that there is a significant relationship between mental health education and managing chronic depression. Awareness regarding mental health protection in society can help people understand its value.
In the above table, the sig value among reward programs and chronic depression management is 0.016. As this value is less than 0.05, it can be stated that there is a significant relationship between negative stigma and managing chronic depression. A patient with chronic depression develops feelings of shame, helplessness, and isolation that prevent that person from seeking help or receiving treatment for a health issue (Li et al. 2020). Misunderstanding on the part of loved ones or others is also a result of chronic depression. Furthermore, reduced potential for employment and social participation are seen among people with chronic depression.
Mental health education_ managing chronic depression
Table 4.16: T-test (Mental health education_ managing chronic depression)
In the above table, the sig value among reward programs and chronic depression management is 0.001. As this value is less than 0.05, it can be stated that there is a significant relationship between mental health education and managing chronic depression. Human mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. As a result, it influences emotions and actions. It also influences whether or not to react appropriately to stressful situations, get along with others, and select nutritious foods. A person's overall health and happiness depend on both their mental and physical wellness (Li, Jiang & Zhang, 2019). Many physical health issues, especially long-term ones like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, are linked to depression. Similar to how having a history of mental illness increases the risk of getting numerous chronic conditions at once.
Discussion
Park et al. (2019), in their findings, showed that emotional support plays a significant role in reducing the stress level of people. Psychological distress is the main cause of developing stress and anxiety among people. Chronic stress in daily life leads a person to develop an imbalance in their mental and physical health. On the other hand, this also plays a significant role in improving self-esteem among people. Instrumental support in society is important as it helps people in solving problems, manage health, and stress, and cope with setbacks. People can perform better in their day-to-day activities if they believe that they have social support.
As per the view of Sierau et al. (2019), when mentors and friends help a person with their problems, they feel very supported and less anxious. People in society play different roles in motivating or demotivating a person in their life. Moreover, in the study, it has been noticed that efforts and results are generated by rewards in society. There are people in this society who do not find it worth doing social support. It has been found in the study that though people believe that rewarding social support is an effective strategy to promote social care, it also has detrimental effects on human psychology.
The findings of the research have also highlighted that conducting educational programs and volunteer work in society is important to spread the knowledge of mental illness and its symptoms at the chronic level. Misunderstanding and fear of people towards mentally ill people have a negative impact on the improvement process of patients with chronic depression (Ochoa-Morales et al. 2019). The belief of people that mentally ill persons is weak or unnatural majorly de-motivates the patients to share their feelings in society.
Summary
Based on the above discussion it can be summarized that social support has a positive impact on patients with chronic depression. Among different social support, emotional support to depressed patients is more effective as it provides a sense of self-esteem. Moreover, it was found that social awareness regarding mental illness is necessary to prevent people from bullying patients with chronic depression. Lastly, a volunteer working in social recognition for supporting mentally ill people must be reinforced in society.
Conclusion
Because of the widespread negative sentiments held by the general public, people with mental diseases are more likely to endure greater misery and a sense of estrangement. These views, in turn, help keep the stigma attached to these conditions alive and well. Isolating those with mental illness greatly increases the risk that they will not get the help they need from others in society.
The purpose of this study, which employs a descriptive research strategy, is to elaborate on the interrelationships between the variables. This study used a deductive approach to see if an existing social support theory or phenomenon might be successfully applied in a new context. In order to complete the study within the allocated time and budget, it was determined to employ a unified strategy. The bulk of the quantitative information for this study came from a survey administered online.
In light of the foregoing, it seems reasonable to conclude that those who suffer from persistent depression would do well to seek out and accept social support. Emotional support is the most helpful for depressed people because it increases their sense of value. Furthermore, the research demonstrated the importance of raising public knowledge about mental illness in preventing the bullying of people with recurrent depression. Finally, there's a need to increase public recognition of those who provide unpaid assistance to those with mental illness.
Object linking
As different forms of social support and their impact on managing patients with depression have been highlighted in this research it achieved its first objective (Simon et al. 2021). On the other hand, in order to achieve the second objective of this research, the study presented that social stigma, fear, and misunderstanding of society are the major challenges faced by patients with chronic depression (Kong et al. 2020). Moreover, it has also been analysed that mental health treatment in the UK is easily available to upper-class people rather than lower-class people. Thus, the huge cost is also a challenge for people with chronic depression (Sun et al. 2020). Educational events in society by the government, boosting social media awareness and volunteer works by healthcare organizations to make mental health treatment available to poor people are some approaches that can be taken to help these patients.
Recommendation
Educational events in society by the government
The government can take appropriate initiatives to include education on mental wellness in school life. This can help understand the importance of mental well-being and protect people from being billed for their mental illness (Wiesmaierova et al. 2019). On the other hand, different educational events in society can also be conducted to educate people about their illnesses.
Boosting social media awareness
There were 57.6 million social media users in the United Kingdom (UK) as of February 2022. As a result, 84.3% of Brits are now active on at least one type of social media (Statista, 2022). Thus, boosting awareness regarding mental health in social media will be more effective to educate more people at a time.
Volunteer works by healthcare organizations to make mental health treatment available to poor people
As most of the poor people in the UK are unable to get mental health treatment and they are also likely to develop mental health disorders, different volunteer works are necessary for society to help them (Qi et al. 2020). In this way, poor people in the society can also gain effective consultation to overcome their stresses and cope with challenging situations.
Research limitations
The main limitation of this research is that it mainly gave conclusions based on primary data. Moreover, the overall budget and timeline of the research were also a limitation. There is a lack of statistical information on this topic area which was a limitation in conducting this research.
Implications and contributions to knowledge
Practical Implications: The main practical implication of this research is implementing the recommendations in society to enhance awareness regarding depression and how to handle it positively.
Theoretical Implications: The major theoretical implication of this research is that future research in this field can include secondary data also to support the findings from the primary data and make it more reliable.
References
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