“Sometimes I have sleepless nights and sometimes I overthink”: A qualitative study of suicide risk in young Ghanaian women with depression

Background Although depression is strongly associated with suicidal behavior among young women, there is limited research in the global south and Africa on the risk of suicide among young females with clinical depression. The study examined the risk of suicide among clinically depressed women and recovery experiences. Methods We conducted interviews with ten (10) females diagnosed with depression. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results We identified four major themes: Depressive symptoms broadly categorized into behavior, feelings, thoughts, and physical symptoms; Perceived Causes of Depression reflecting hereditary factors and family dynamics; Depression and Suicide explored factors that influenced the suicide attempt including the feeling of hopelessness and emotional distress; and Coping Strategies. Conclusions The results emphasize the need to integrate suicide screening and early intervention to mitigate the risk of suicide behavior among young women with depression.