“A QUALITATIVE STUDY: FACTORS AFFECTING THE STUDENT DEPRESSION

TOWARDS SCHOOL WORKLOADS”

Steph Ian C. Angala

 1.1 INTRODUCTION

Everyone has experienced feelings of depression at one time or

another. Each person’s experience of depression is different as there is a

wide variety of symptoms. Many people feel down occasionally, or go through

bad patches, but have areas in their lives that make them feel good, and like

things about themselves. For some people though, life is more of a struggle.

They feel bad about themselves and their lives in most ways. At times they

feel complete despair. If you feel like this, then you may be depressed.

Depression is prolonged and persistent mood which can colour and

interfere with many aspects of one’s life. It is characterised by feelings of

worthlessness, excessive guilt, loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, self-doubt

and guilt. Suicidal thoughts may also be present. Normal everyday

depression can last for a few minutes to a few days. We’ve all felt these

periods of being “down” or “sad”. These feelings are a normal part of being

human. On the other hand, depression that becomes intense and lasts for

extended periods of time is beyond the everyday sort. For this more severe

depression you need to consider getting help.

According to John M. Grohol, Psy. D. (21 September 2017) Conclude

his study entitled “Introduction to depression” that Depression is the common

cold of mental disorders, most people will be affected by depression in their

lives either directly or indirectly, through a friend or family member. Confusion

about depression is commonplace, e.g., with regard to what depression

exactly is and what makes it different from just feeling down.

There is also confusion surrounding the many types of depression that

people experience unipolar depression, biological depression, manic

depression, seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia, etc. There have been so

many terms used to describe this set of feelings we’ve all felt at one time or

another in our lives, it may be difficult to understand the difference between

just being blue and having clinical depression.

Depression is characterized by a number of common symptoms.

These include a persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, and feelings of

hopelessness or pessimism that lasts nearly every day, for weeks on end. A

person who is depressed also often has feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and

helplessness. They no longer take interest or pleasure in hobbies and

activities that were once enjoyed; this may include things like going out with

friends or even sex. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, and oversleeping

are all common.

Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain may be

symptoms of depression in some people. Many others experience decreased

energy, fatigue, and a constant feeling of being “slowed down.” Thoughts of

death or suicide are not uncommon in those suffering from severe

depression. Restlessness and irritability among those who have depression is

common. A person who is depressed also has difficulty concentrating,

remembering, and trouble making decisions. And sometimes, persistent

physical symptoms that do not respond to traditional treatments — such as

headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain — may be signs of a

depressive illness.

Depression is a severe disorder, and one that can often go undetected in

some people’s lives because it can creep up on you. Depression doesn’t need to

strike all at once; it can be a gradual and nearly unnoticeable withdrawal from

your active life and enjoyment of living. Or it can be caused by a clear event,

such as the breakup of a long-term relationship, a divorce, family problems, etc.

Finding and understanding the causes of depression isn’t nearly as important as

getting appropriate and effective treatment for it.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1. What is the demographic profile of the student it terms of;

A. Age

B. Sex

2. What are the factors affecting student depression towards school

workloads?

3. What should be done to overcome student depression towards school

workloads?

4. What are the suggestion and recommendation to overcome student

depression towards school workloads?