Parents’ Perceptions of What Health Means for Adolescents with Depression—A Qualitative Study

Background: Adolescent depression is a growing public health concern. Health promotion for this group requires an understanding of what health means in the context of depression. Given that parents play a central role in adolescents’ everyday lives, their perspectives on health for adolescents are important. The aim of this study was to describe parents’ perceptions of what health means for adolescents with depression. Methods: This qualitative study employed a phenomenographic approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 parents of adolescents with depression. The analysis resulted in four categories, each comprising two sub-categories, reflecting variations in how health was perceived. Results: Parents described health for adolescents with depression in terms of taking initiative in everyday life and creating a daily structure through routines (navigating daily life with depression); experiencing belonging in supportive relationships and understanding one’s own value (building trust in self and others); having a positive outlook while facing struggles and finding pleasure in daily activities (experiencing joy despite depression); and balancing body and mind and maintaining healthy habits (supporting well-being despite depression). Conclusions: The findings provide new insights into how parents understand health for adolescents with depression. These perceptions may inform the development of supportive and health-promoting strategies tailored to adolescents’ and their families’ everyday challenges.