Dyadic coping approaches are known to ease emotional distress in patients and families dealing with chronic illnesses. However, most coping research in depression has centered on individuals rather than couples. This study explored how people with depression and their spouses experience coping, applying a dyadic lens to inform the design of tailored couple-based interventions. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with patients diagnosed with depression and their spouses. Data were analysed following Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. Participants’ experiences were grouped into four overarching themes and twelve subthemes: (1) delays in seeking and receiving care (delayed decision-making, delays in hospital care), (2) spousal challenges in adjustment (illness-related stress, role strain, negative emotions), (3) dual nature of dyadic coping (joint coping efforts, supportive communication, emotional support, alongside negative communication and overprotectiveness), and (4) uncertainty and unmet needs (fears about illness progression, desire for continuous care). To improve depression care, healthcare providers should encourage constructive dyadic coping within couples, enhance patients’ and spouses’ understanding of the condition, address spouses’ mental and physical well-being, develop couple-focused intervention strategies, and strengthen continuity of care across the health system.
