Pacific peoples' conceptualisations of depression in Aotearoa New Zealand: Findings from a cross-sectional survey.

The aim of the present study is to provide a snapshot of how depression is understood and addressed by Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants were 548 Pacific peoples (age range 16-83 years) residing in Aotearoa New Zealand, who completed the Pasifika Mental Health in Aotearoa (PMHA) survey containing questions regarding depression. Content Analysis was used to categorise open-ended responses, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant response frequencies. Participant conceptualisations of depression demonstrated a strong understanding of depression, with most identifying multiple symptoms and many describing symptoms aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria. When asked about addressing depression, participants overwhelmingly endorsed seeking informal support, followed by formal support. Consistent with these preferences, participants rated talking to friends and counsellors as most helpful, while substance use, including alcohol and drugs, was strongly identified as harmful. This study reveals that Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand understand depression with strong preferences for both informal and formal support. These findings challenge assumptions about the low level of mental health literacy in Pacific communities and highlight the importance of culturally responsive approaches.