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Introduction

Depression is a state which a person feels very sad, hopeless and unimportant and often is unable

to live in a normal way. According to Bansal, Gayal, and Srivastava (2009), a lot of physicians did not

believe that depressive disorders existed in the youth 40 years ago. Nowadays, the youth are very prone

to depression due to many factors that can affect their emotional, mental, psychological state of mind in

their everyday life especially being a student. This study about depression is quite strange topic because

it is very mysterious yet the majority of people especially in school settings lacks knowledge about this

topic

In the recent time, depression occurred more and more often to almost all of the teens. The

statistics of National Institute of Mental Health (2014) states that depression is the most often mental

disorder that teens and adults in United States have. According to their study, over 2.8 million youth with

age of 12-17 have experienced at least one major depression. Another study from faculty.washington.edu

(2013) states that depression can last longer and may last for a year or so. Depression can be triggered in

several of ways like failures, lost loved ones, identity loss, and many more. They clear that not everyone

who experience these negative events catch on depression. On the contrary, there are factors that make

them vulnerable to into it is a severe mental disorder that may last longer, but there are some people

who can endure it because they are aware of themselves.

According to World Health Organization-Philippines (2017), in the whole Philippines alone, they

stated that about 3.9 million people are living with depression and about 3.07million people are living

with anxiety. They added that depression is one of the most leading factor that makes one person to

commit suicide. They further explained that a serious national talk regarding depression in which every

Filipino is engaged is urgently needed. They also concluded on their research that depression is a mental

disorder that spread in a whole wide world and it can affect our daily living. Unlike many large-scale

international problems, a solution for depression is at our hand.


In addition, the American Psychological Association also known as APA (2017) defined depression

more than just a sadness, but also a mental disorder. People experience depression because of lack in

interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack

of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of

death or suicide.

Depression is a topic that is studied by a lot of researches from time to time but the past studies

failed to explore or interpret the experiences of a youth student that undergo the process of depression

and the themes of it in a classroom setting. Furthermore, World Health Organization did not specify the

age range of people who suffer from it. The American Psychological Association have failed to elaborate

and further explain the definition of depression. They only stated the reason behind `1-`depression. It

focuses more on the people who are grown up. They did not mention about the teenagers that experience

the depression. Anyone can be a victim of depression as suggested to a related study, it can be a teen or

an adult. That study failed to explain the difference of experiences between the teen and adult depression.

Literature also missed to fill the gap about what do victims of depression do lessen the problem or mental

disorder they have. In addition, this research will also serve as an instrument to view the experiences of a

depressed youth student and the themes behind it and explain the possible reasons on how a person or

a youth student can solve his/her situation.

This study aims to understand the depression on youth among students through exploratory

research design to discover the factors affecting their psychological and mental aspects and also to know

what causes them to be emotionally compromised that leads to a depressive state. In addition, the study

seeks to have an in depth understanding on how they cope with anxiety. This study will utilize a semi-

structured interview to uncover the answers to our questions regarding youth depression and the reasons

within. It will also offer ideas to people especially whos suffering from depression and as well to provide
awareness to the students themselves. Finally, recommendations are identified to help researchers,

parents, educators, and for everyone who plays an important role regarding on this matter.

Review of Related Literatures

This chapter presents a closer point of view in the researchs related literature, theoretical

foundation and a shorter survey of related studies on Depression Among Students in Meycauayan

National High School. These will give a foundation for the systematic analyses that will make the findings,

conclusions and recommendations of the research.

The word depression is defined as sadness and as a medical illness, a combination of such

symptoms like a change of mood, physical symptoms like changes in sleep, energy, appetite, a persons

degree of confidence also self-esteem. Depression is also correlated with abuse of substances,

unemployment, early pregnancy, and educational failures that can lead people to commit suicide.

Apparently, it is unusual or unlikely that someone whos having a hardship from depression to be noticed

and managed (ADAP, 2007).

Additionally, Hoerman (2013) claims that depression during the belief of the 1970s is an ailment

of adulthood and that children and adolescents do not experiences is now long gone. It has already been

measured or evaluated that depression is a form of mental illness that affects most of the adolescents

with prevalence rates between ten and twenty percent. The National Institute of Mental Health has

disclosed statistically a compelling variation across age and gender in the lifetime prevalence of mood

disorders, including depression, for adolescents 13 to 18.

Another study on the topic by Pappas (2015), teenage depression is somehow connected to cyber

bullying in social media according to new researches that study different online phenomena. Number of

people who examines the victims of cyber bullying increases especially when news of suicide occur.

Teenagers use social media more often this days according to Michele Hamm, but the effects of it in ones
health is still unknown. It is most likely for teens to experience depression in their adulthood when they

are being bullied.

Early work by Renata and Jacek (2010) shows that an epidemiological appraisal of depression

during the adolescence age was always been a challenging issue since the late studies during the 60s and

70s. Angold disclosed that the reasons behind the gap between prevalence indexes should be looked for

in the different therapeutic ways, diagnostic tools used, as well as where the information came from. He

also discussed the crucial problem of the imprecise meaning of adolescent depression as a mental disorder

and until now, the problem hasnt been solved yet.

Depression is an illness that intervene with a persons functional ability. The

characteristics of depression can be from the feeling of boredom, irritability, and the inability to feel

pleasure instead of sadness. Depression cases that it is not treated can last over 7 to 9 months and most

likely occur again in adulthood. Symptoms of depression are most likely to be found in children and

adolescents that is why it is hard to figure out the signs of depression. Depression affects the daily

activities of both children and adolescents. Both male and female child have the same prevalence rate of

depression but there is a sudden increase in female rate when they reach the stage of puberty. There are

also many factors that promotes the development of depression in children and adolescents such as

genetic and biologic vulnerability, environmental factors, negative life events, and personality,

temperament, and vulnerability of the child (Ranttila & Shrestha, 2011).

In addition, a study in the University of Missouri stated that any form of social media can be a

source of depression depending on how a person use it. Using it as a tool for surveillance to check on

others may lead to the feeling of depression. By doing this, you compare your own situation to your

friends situation like having a vacation, relationship, achievements, etc. This leads you to envy them and
can lead you to depression. A tip for those people who experience this kind of envy is that the post you

have seen is customized to show the positive side of their lives (Liu, 2015).

However, adolescents depression has no specific cause. Mayo clinic explains that there are many

factors that lead to depression. First is the difference in the brain, adolescents have different brain

structure than the adults. A depressed teen can also have a different amount of hormone and

neurotransmitters that helps their brain cells to connect and is one responsible for regulating moods and

behavior. The second one is traumatic early life events, children dont have enough experience to handle

such a traumatic event in their lives like loss of a parent or physical, emotional or sexual abuse and these

can leave a lasting effect that can contribute to their depression. The third one is inherited traits, research

shows that if a child or adolescent have a family member who is depressed, and it is most like for them to

have it also. The last one is learned patterns of negative thinking, teens always think in a bad way like

thinking of themselves as helpless instead of thinking of how to solve a problem and this can also develop

into depression (Krans, 2016).

The factors that leads to depression in youth specifically in students can be inherited, also

because of stress in social interaction (A. Thapar, Collishaw, Pine, & A.K Thapar, 2012). Additionally, in the

study of 2005, an early article about stress that also leads to depression is categorized by feelings of

tension, frustration, too much worrying, and sadness (Walker 2005; ADAP, 2007; Ranttila & Shrestha,

2017). Because of that, depression are severe and lasts longer that have been categorized by extreme

feelings of hopelessness, sadness, isolation and worthlessness that lasts for two weeks or more (Walker,

2005; ADAP 2007). There many factors that may lead a students to be depressed, this is also as true as

the articles that has been stated, a student may feel depressed when he/she experience loneliness in

his/her current state because of those factors and the most severe effects of depression is an attempt or

to commit suicide, most young people who experience depression are at high risk in attempting suicide
than the young ones who do not experience depression, however, not all youth who are depressed are

attempting to commit suicide, this statement has been explained by Walker (2005) as:

"These young people report exhibiting much more anger and ventilation; avoidance and

passivity; and aggressive, antisocial behavior. They describe yelling, fighting and complaining;

drinking, smoking and using doctor-prescribed drugs more frequently; and sleeping, riding around

in cars and crying more often. They are less inclines to do things with their family or to go along

with parents' rules and requests" (p.4).

In addition, (2010), she stated that "All students are entitled to an education in a positive

environment" but a problem can go in the way of students to pursue their educational attainment

especially if it can deal some serious effect in terms of psychological and their whole being. Previous

conducted researches showed high rates of students' psychological problems like anxiety, and depression

are widely spread in universities in the world (Al-Qaisy, 2011). Depression can cause negative effects on a

student's education(Kurt D. Michael, Timothy J. Hueisman, Claudia Gerard, Theresa M. Gilligan, & Melissa

R. Gustafson, 2006), and psychological unhealthiness (Al-Qaisy, 2011).

Methodology

The study treads on a qualitative exploratory research design utilizing three (3) Senior High School

Students using semi-structured interviews either through Facebook Messenger or journal sheets in an

iterative or simultaneous data gathering procedure. The researchers code the data to form categories and

later reduces the data into themes to explain the live experiences of the participants in both graphical and

verbal form.
Realities and
Truths

DEPRESSION

STUDENTS

Experiences

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

The study seeks to explore the realities of Senior High School Students in Meycauayan National

High School (MNHS) by viewing the information from individuals in their experiences about depression of

students in MNHS. The connection of these concepts in literature and studies eventually provides the

bases on how they exist and emerge on the lives of the participants. This framework therefore uses these

relationships and connections to describe the peoples live experiences to establish the truth.
Results and Discussion

Depression is considered as a mental illness causing an individual to feel such severe

uncomfortableness to themselves such as guilt and sadness that often leads to suicidal thoughts. It also

has no medical cause and a specific effect. The researchers found out codes turned into categories and

hence using a semi-structured interview. The researchers will get the results with this codes and have a

discussion about the outcome of the interview.

The researchers found three themes on students depression. These themes are cause of

depression, effect of depression, and ways to cope up with depression. The codes that were collected by

the researchers show the experiences of students about depression. It sums up the causes of depression

to the respondents like Respondent A noted di ako naiintindihan ng mga taong nasa paligid ko especially

sa nanay ko na minsan naisip ko di niya ako maunawaan. It is also noted by Respondent B that this

started when my mum and dad got separated. I ignored it first. I remember I cut my thighs when I was in

fourth grade.

The researchers determined this statement as self-harming actions aside from family problems,

there are also things such as school works that can cause depression to the students. As Respondent A

stated that nahihirapan din ako, sumabay pa yung mga tambak na gawain tulad ng research. The two

major factors that cause students depression are family problems and school works.

Another theme that has been revealed in this study is the effects of depression among students.

For an instance, the change of mood just as Respondent B stated Id sit in class laughing then the next

moment its like there is something whispers to you that you dont deserve to laugh nor live.

Hence, the researchers dive into the deeper effects of depression which is connected to the

feeling of giving up as Respondent B stated once again Waiting for the fire to turn you to ash. The

statement of Respondent B indicated that this leads to suicidal thoughts. As a matter of fact, Respondent
B noted that I always think of ways to murder myself. Id research. And when Im at school and I was in

the corridor, I think of jumping. When Im out on the road I dont look left or right.

As the researchers have studied further about suicidal thoughts, it indicated the respondents

sense of self-worthlessness where in Respondent B noted that, the environment, when you show signs

they dont give crap. It sums up that the respondents sense of self-worthlessness affected their physical

state which is weight loss where in Respondent B noted, I always change weight. Last June I was 55kg

then right now my weight is 41kg. Respondent C also noted that, nababawasan ang timbang ko. Lastly,

the researchers focused on the respondents ways to cope up with depression in which Respondent A

stated that, iniiyak ko lang lahat para maging ok,pray lang naman yung kinakapitan ko.

Figure 2. Thematic Diagram: Depression Among Students


This study about Depression among Students in Meycauayan National High School has a result

that shows 3 main themes which are: Ways to Cope Up with Depression, Causes of Depression, and Effects

of Depression. The categories that are under the first main theme (Ways to Cope Up with Depression) are

crying, praying, finding friends, finding a happy place, and finding a new hobby. The second main theme

(Causes of Depression) also has categories under it which are family problems, school works, loneliness,

high expectations, and overthinking.

The categories of the third main theme (Effects of Depression) are: feeling of giving up with 3 sub

categories (suicidal thoughts, paranoia, and suicidal attempts), overthinking with 4 sub categories

(secretive, irritable, emotional breakdown, and afraid to be judged) change of mood with 4 sub categories

(self-harming, being forgetful, violent thoughts, and unclear thoughts) and feeling of self-worthlessness

with 3 sub categories (feels like a burden to others, weight loss, and attention seeking actions). After

analyzing the results, the researchers therefore conclude that depression has different causes and effects

on students. On the other hand, there is still a lot of ways to cope up with depression.
References

Poquiz, J. L. & Frazer, A. L. (2016). Depression in Children and Adolescents.

Ranttila, J. & Shrestha, T. (2011). Understanding Depression in Children and Adolescents.

Thapar, A., Collishaw, S., Pine, D., Thapar, AK., (2012) Depression in Adolescent. Published in

Lancet ADAP (2017). Adolescent Depression viewed September 24, 2017, retrieved from:

www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty_areas/moods/ADAP/

APA (2017). Psychology Topics viewed September 24, 2017, retrieved from:

http://www.apa.org/topics/depression/

Auerbach, R., (2015). Depression in adolescents: Causes, Correlates and Consequences.

Published by Psychological Science Agenda.

Bansal V, Goyal S, & Srivastava K. (2009). Study of Prevalence of Depression in Adolescent

Students of a Public School

Bomba, J., & Modrzejewska R. (2010). A Comparative Study of Adolescent Depression Among

High School Pupils in a Large Polish City.

Cassie Dobson (2010). Effects of Academic Anxiety on the Performance of Students With and

Without Learning Disabilities and How Students Can Cope Up With Anxiety at School.

Hoerman, E. D. (2013). Depression in Children and Adolescents: The role of school Professionals.

Krans, B. (2016). Adolescent Depression.

Kurt D. Michael, Timothy J. Hueisman, Claudia Gerard, Theresa M. Gilligan, & Melissa R.

Gustafson (2006). Depression Among College Students: Trends in Prevalence and Treatment

Seeking.
Lama M. Al-Qaisy (2011). The Relation of Depression and Anxiety in Academic Achievement

among Group of University Students.

Liu, S. (2015). Social Media and Depression.

Pappas, S. (2015). Cyber bullying on Social Media Linked to Teen Depression.

. 2012 Mar 17; 379(9820): 1056-1067.

Walker, J. (2005). Adolescent Stress and Depression. Produced by Extension Center for Youth

Development.
Bionote

RALPH LAUREN I. COMANDANTE is a studying in Meycauayan National High School in 12th grade
under the strand of Humanities and Social Sciences at Camalig, City of Meycauayan, Bulacan. He was born
on April 02, 1997 and he lives in Elysian Homes, Bahay Pare, City of Meycauayan, Bulacan.

JOHN KEVIN L. DOMINGO is studying in Meycauayan National High School as a grade 12 student.
He was born on March 02, 1999 in Malanday, Valenzuela City, his mother is Maribel Domingo and his
father is Trece Domingo Jr. When he was in kindergarten he awarded as a best in cleanliness and most
behave and when he was in High School, he was awarded Top 1 in grade 9 also cheerdance champion,
nutri jingle champion in grade 10. Finally in grade 11, champion in Readers Theater, Sabayang pagbigkas
and 2nd place in Science Jingle. He wants to become a teacher.

JACKO S. FUNTANILLA is currently studying in Meycauayan National High School as a grade 12


student. He was born on October 4, 1999 in Paranaque City. His mothers name is Lenibeth Funtanilla and
his fathers name is Jack Funtanilla.

JOHN PAUL M. MIGUEL is currently a grade-12 senior high school student in Meycauayan National
High School under the strand of Humanities and Social Sciences at Camalig, City of Meycauayan, Bulacan.
He was born on July 2, 2000 and is currently living in #38 Scorpio St. Phase 4-D Brgy. Perez, Meycauayan,
Bulacan. His research interests are political references of people in different places, lifestyle of people in
in different countries, and cultural differences of people with mixed race.

REIGNER JAN F. POTOT is currently studying in Meycauayan National High School as a grade 12
student. He was born on November 16, 1999 in Manila Central University. His fathers name is Renato B.
Potot and his mothers name is Janette F. Potot. When he was in Senior High School he received couple
of awards in many categories such as postermaking contests, journalism and he reigned as Mr. Eco
Modelo 2016. At the end of his Senior High School, he is planning to go to University of Sto. Tomas and
take BSE Elementary Education and major in Preschool Education

CHRISTIAN M. TURLA is currently studying in Meycauayan National High School as a grade 12


student. He was born July 15, 1999 in Manila, Quezon City, Barangay Polilio. His fathers name is Eliseo
Pingol Turla and his mothers name is Lolita Montirola Turla., he is the youngest son in the family, when
he was in Senior High School in Meycauayan National High School he starts to join some activities like
when he was on grade 11, he tried to run for the grade 12 chairperson but unfortunately he lost, the next
year he joined a lots of activities like the politics and governance museum where he received a certificate
for being one of the best speakers.

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