The aim of this study was to explore experiences of the meaning of family support among older persons with depressive ill-health. Data were collected from twenty-nine participants through semistructured interviews and analysed using interpretative hermeneutic and reflective methodology. The findings revealed a main theme, hovering between feelings of belongingness and aloneness in relationships with family members, based on two themes: a sense of being worthy and a sense of being unworthy. Experiences of support and lack of support from family members were not opposites but connected in internal relationships and can be pictured as a movement on a continuum of ambiguity. Family support promotes the emotional needs of older persons with depressive ill-health to be confirmed. The family plays a vital role, not always by direct assistance, but indirectly by supporting the older person’s own “guiding principles” for managing her/his situation. The feelings of aloneness as well as shame and guilt at poor or absent family responsiveness should be adequately addressed. Innovative nursing care can lead to improvement by focusing on acquiescence to the older person’s life situation. 1. Introduction Depressive ill-health is highly prevalent in the general population and constitutes a major public health problem？？[1]. Depression is considered one of the most common disorders among community dwelling older adults with a prevalence of between 12 and 20%？？[2]. An older-age related increase in depression has been documented？？[3]. Although older people constitute a large proportion of the population, older persons with mental ill-health have been neglected in terms of research as well as access to mental health services, and therefore knowledge of older persons’ experiences of their health situation is generally poor？？[4]. Deinstitutionalization of mental health services and the promotion of initiatives whereby people are supported to live in their own homes are strategies in many western countries？？[5]. One reason for this political strategy is the fact that personal independence and freedom are human rights in western society？？[6, 7]. Nevertheless, freedom and independence vary and can be positive as well as negative. For older persons suffering from depressive ill-health, the potential need for family members to provide care and support might lead to the feeling of loss of independence for both the older person and the family. According to Martinsson et al. [8], older persons suffering from depressive ill-health constitute a vulnerable group. However, depression in
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