Table 1.

Summary of Key Focus Group Findings

Central Challenge	Specific Barriers to Care-Seeking for Depression
Recognizing symptoms as manifestations of a specific mental health condition (depression)	Not recognizing or denying that something is the matter. Not understanding that the symptoms might represent a problem. Inability or unwillingness to accept the possibility of having depression. Conflict with self-image. Negative social support: shame, stigma, negative messages from others.
Forming an explanatory model that promotes treatment and care-seeking	Interpreting distress as purely situational. Adopting characterologic explanations for symptoms Holding rigid ideas about treatment options.
Engaging in care for depression	Skepticism that primary care physicians (PCPs) are interested in and/or competent to provide care for depression. Lack of trust in PCP. Fear of being labeled “crazy” or being locked up. Concern that attention to emotional distress would distract focus from physical problems. Financial and logistic barriers to care. Desire for a quick fix.