For the past week I've been doing interviews with two categories of people: those with depressive disorder or experience depressive episodes and those who do not. While this project will largely take from my own experience with depressive episodes I want to integrate the experiences of others into it to create a more well rounded view. However, I do know that it will never fully encompass what everyone experiences because mental illness and symptoms can impact everyone differently. For example I have a depressive disorder and an anxiety disorder so often during my depressive episodes I am able to keep my room clean and get work done because I will be extremely anxious if I'm unable to. However, for other people they aren't able to keep up with cleaning, doing homework, or going to work. Which is why I want to hear about other's experiences, I don't want it to be solely based off of me. On the other hand I'm interviewing people without depressive disorders to hear what they do and don't know about depression and depressive episodes. From those interviews I can take away common misconceptions or questions they have to add into my VR experience so that I can better educate people.
So far the interviews have been helpful and I've learned a lot from others and it has changed some of the minor details I'll be including in the project and helped me figure out what are the most important thoughts I want to get across. I will not be sharing specific information here that people have told me to respect their privacy. So far I've interviewed 22 people, either through Zoom or Google Form, but I'm trying to get some more done still. Below I've attached the email I've sent out to people who agree to be interviewed via Google Form along with the forms.
"Hello,
If you're receiving this email then you've agreed to take a survey for my senior project. The surveys each have 10 questions on them, so it shouldn't take too much time out of your day. All information you share with me is for research purposes and to further develop what I need to convey in my senior project. I will not be sharing your personal information with anyone. There are two surveys, Type A for people with depressive disorders or depressive symptoms and Type B for people without, please fill out whichever survey applies to you. Below are links to both surveys.
Survey Type A, For people with depressive disorders or depressive symptoms:
Survey Type B, For people without:
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me! Additionally, if you have anything you'd like to convey that you feel you cannot put in the survey let me know. Thank you so much!
Best,
Melissa"
