“Senior High School Students’ Level of Depression in relation

to Suicide Ideation”

Alcantara, Mary Joyce O.

Castro, Alexis S.

Esporna, Gladys Mae T.

Gomez, Russel Prymleader G.

Ong, Camille Y.

Pangan, Ron Adrian

Sael, April Shaira

March 2019
Abstract

Cases involving depression and suicide ideation are two sensitive and controversial issues among

students. Both are psychological disorder caused by various factors. Symptoms and diagnosis

also differ from one person to another, so does the treatments and medications. Furthermore, the

rate of depression and suicide ideation are becoming prevalent and alarming nowadays since

students face many trials and challenges as part of their growth and maturity not only as a

student but also as an individual who conforms to the demands of society, they are more likely to

suffer fom these phenomena. Since senior high students are not psychologically, emotionally and

physically prepared or informed to perform immediate response and actions, this study aims to

determine the senior high school student's perception on depression in relation to suicide

ideation, a reasonable and accurate way of understanding and knowing what they perceive, feel

and act.

Keywords:

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION
 Studying is likely to bring a number of changes in student's life. Trials and interesting

events or activities exist that will test one's capability to cope up with the changes happening in

the society. Students can meet and work with other new people as they begin to develop their

social life and gain more acquaintances. They learn how to balance the demands of studying with

their other commitments and responsibilities. However, during their academic life, they

encounter a lot of circumstances including contradictions and obligations to succeed causing

them to make such efforts to embrace new experiences and changes in terms of social aspects,

and in in behavioral, emotional, academic and economic situations.

As part of student’s life, they exert their utmost effort to become an achiever, forcing

their limitations and capabilities due to their desire to have good grades together with the

pressure that surrounds them. By doing so, they face a considerable workload of school related

matters, assignments, performance tasks, and exams. Competition is also included as well as

fighting the uncertain odds towards success. However, aside from their academic life, another

one awaits for them at home. Matters involving their families or relatives, and the way they

associate with other people affects them also.

Senior high school students ages still ranges from 16-19 years old, still an adolescent, and

not yet fully developed. As part of growing up and becoming mature, they begin to face many

obstacles and trials in their whole life that they'll find difficult to handle or overcome. They

begin to make decisions that will somehow affect them physically, mentally and emotionally. In

relation to that, they begin to learn and do necessary actions for themselves and to the people

who matters to them. Experiences will go their way, teaching and hurting them at the same time.

Pains and scars are about to wound them at any moment as they begin to acknowledge and

realize their obligations and responsibilities as an individual and as members of the society
through the people or events happening around them. At that point, the possibilities of problems

arising are very high. The fact that there is so much into them, be it responsibilities in their

studies, burdens or expectations from their families, it could be too overwhelming for them and

if they can't cope with these things it might result to a complication concerning their state and

behavior.

Considering the fact that most senior high school students are facing numerous problems

such as being pressured in their families, peers, schools, and in the society where they belong to,

these things might be risk factors for them to suffer from depression. It is more likely to happen

to them because of all the changes and circumstances in their lives.

Nowadays, depression is prominent and people are experiencing it all over the world. It is

widely prevalent; it has been heard of everywhere and is being sensationalized in a way that

people use the term very often. It is describe as the point or points in one’s lifetime when they

become mentally and emotionally unstable marked by sadness, discouragement, and loss that can

occur during adolescence. The term depression causes changes in behavior. It interferes with the

normal functioning of an individual and frequently causes severe problems in their life that might

affect how they feel, think, and act. According to experts, there are many types of depression and

its symptoms may vary from person to person, so does the diagnosis and treatments. No nation

has escaped from it since it is highly experience by many individuals in any country but it is

As stated, depression is one of the most widespread diseases across the world and a major

factor in problems of mental health (Sarokhani et al., 2013). The issue of students’ mental health

is a global problem that covers all developed and non-developed societies, both modern and

traditional (Bayram & Bilgel, 2008). It is one of the most dominant problems of mental health
which is a serious health problem among the student population (Ibrahim, Kelly, Adams &

Glazebrook, 2013). Some studies stated that students are vulnerable to depression. It is obvious

that during their academic life, students have many goals, obligations and expectations for the

future. If some students fail to achieve these things, they are at a higher risk of suffering from

depression. In general, they suffer from a lot things that may create a big impact on their

personal life.

Students suffering from depression become too sensitive, mentally and emotionally

unstable according to the experts. The person around them finds it hard to understand what they

perceive and feel most of the time as they start to show some changes in their personalities and

behaviors. These scenarios are already alarming and terrifying. What they will do next would be

a big question. Since no one knows what they think specially if they don't speak to someone

about their situation or do not seek help or guidance, it would be dangerous to just leave them

alone as depression might lead them to have suicide ideation. It means having thoughts or plan in

taking one’s life. Thoughts can range from a detailed plan to a fleeting consideration and these

types of thoughts may arise in people who feel completely hopeless or believe they can no longer

cope with their life situation which is experienced by most teenagers. Furthermore, studies about

ideation are important and at the same time crucial because these thoughts are associated with

the intent to commit suicide and actual attempted suicides.

Assumptions and arguments whether depression among students is connected or related

to suicide ideation have been a current interesting issue. Depression and suicide ideation are two

serious and sensitive concerns. It encompasses not just the behavior and state of adolescents but

also their whole life. They would not be the only one to be affected but the people around them
specially their families, friends, and teachers and so on would also be concerned about their

situation.

According to some studies, it is difficult to determine if depression causes an adolescent

to have suicide thoughts as there are many factors and variables present that need a thorough

consideration. That is the reason why this study is conceptualized, to determine if senior high

school student’s depression can lead to suicide ideation.

As researchers, we aim to provide awareness not just to the adolescents but also to the

society in general. Therefore, this study will try to find out if there is a relationship between

depression and suicide ideation among senior high school students.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, it is the primary aim of the study to know if depression is related to suicide

ideation. Specifically, it will seek answers to the ff:

 1. What is the profile characteristics of the respondents in terms of;

1.1 Gender

1.2 Age

1.3 Religion

1.4 Strand

2. What are the risk factors of depression?

2.1 Stress

2.2 Illness

2.3 Academic performance

2.4 Abuse (physical, emotional or substance)

3. Is there a significant relationship between depression and suicide ideation?

4. What are the symptoms of suicide ideation among the respondents?

4.1 Behavioral Symptoms

4.2 Physical Symptoms

4.3 Cognitive Symptoms

4.4 Psychosocial Symptoms

5. What are the necessary adjustments to cope with depression?

5.1 Treatments

5.2 Preventions

HYPOTHESIS

There is no significant relationship between depression and suicide ideation among

Senior High School students’ when grouped by the profile variables.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is beneficial to the ff:

The Students. This study is significant to the teenagers who are simply affected or

concerned with depression for it can be a learning paradigm for them to enhance and increase

their knowledge and awareness regarding the said issue. The study is also designed to let them be

aware on how to handle or deal such cases involving it and to provide or suggest necessary

adjustments they can do to prevent adverse effects and outcomes

The Parents. Parents who seek help or to better educate themselves about adolescent

depression and how it can lead to suicide ideation might find this study informative. Many

parents are very hands-on about guiding their children to have a good health in all aspects and

this study would be beneficial for that purpose.

The School. This study would be beneficial to the school primarily because this will

serve somehow as reference and guidance for them if depression and suicide ideation occurs to

their students. This would help them understand their behavior and thoughts.

The Society. Lastly, the study is significant to the society mainly because it will serve as

a source of information for them to understand and learn facts or gather details about depression

and if it leads to suicide ideation. Moreover, to educate and equipped themselves with proper and

accurate knowledge for future reference or use.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study will be conducted at Saint Joseph School, Malasin Campus and this study is

limited to the Senior High School students of Saint Joseph School, Grade 11 and 12 only. The
researcher will choose 5 respondents purposively. 30 students among the grade 11 and 30

students coming from the grade 12.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

A. RELATED LITERATURE

Depression

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that affects person's thoughts,

behavior, feelings and physical well-being. Depressed people feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless,

helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once

were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, or problems concentrating,

remembering details or making decisions; and may contemplate or attempt suicide. Insomnia,

excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains or digestive problems that are resistant

to treatment may be present (Zimmerman, 2004).

According to the study, several factors might affect a person’s life particularly the

thoughts and behaviors as depression causes a lot of complications if not treated. The everyday

routines or lifestyle of an individual who's suffering from depression will somehow get affected.

They might possibly lose all their interests to the things they usually do, suddenly suffers from

sleep problems, pains, difficulty in breathing and so on but the worst possible scenario is that if

depression leads to suicide ideation and attempts causing deaths.

It is stated that depression plays a role in more than one half of all suicide attempts,

whereas the death rate from suicide is high. In other countries, depression associated with suicide

ideation and attempted suicide is prevalent and varies depending on the variables present.

Furthermore, depression in adolescents is a disabling condition that is associated with serious

long-term morbidities and even suicide (William et al. 2009, 716). Although different factors are

present in suicide ideation, more than half of the time, depression is a present factor or a

consistent variable.

Nowadays, a senior high school student faces many challenges and difficulties in life.

Most of them are experiencing depression because they are emotionally fragile and can’t cope up

with the harsh expectations of reality. This age is the most crucial stage as they are growing up

from being immature to mature. They are conscious and afraid of being criticized by others.

They feel depressed because of some factors affecting their way of life like being discriminated,

school and family problems, etc.

Similarly, adolescent’s is a time many young adults’ feel pressure to develop identities,

develop lie goals, and make meaningful relationships. Internal conflicts can develop when these

complex social lives, academic roles and extra-curricular activities conflict with an individual’s

belies (Ohagon et. Al., 21

Senior High School students are also considered adolescents wherein they explore the

different aspects of life fiercely and aggressively. As they are continuously growing the pressure

is also getting bigger. Students develop their selves to be a mature person. Senior High School

students often have conflict when it comes to their academic performances. Many activities,

performances, projects, and exams might lead them to have depression because having many

tasks can cause stress. As they continue to struggle and live their life the way they wanted it to

be, there would always be downfalls including all their flaws, problems and shares of mistakes.

Complications in their lie not just academically but their whole lie in general such as internal or

personal conflicts might become triggers or depression to occur.

 Internal conflicts have been correlated to higher rates of depression and an increase in

level of anxiety (eixa et. Al., 21. Negative impacts on academic performance are expected from

the onset of mental health issues and can further increase risk actor or similar mental illnesses: or

example, depression can commonly be exacerbated by situation and lead to an increase risk or

developing suicidal ideation (otter et. Al, 2

As the senior high school students undergo changes, internal conlicts or ersonal

Depression is not only a burden to the individuals suffering from it, but also effects

interpersonal relationships, and can create much larger issues within communities (CDC, 213

It is stated that eole who are experiencing depression is not the only one who’s suerring

but also those eole around them especially their families. It is not easy or the family to see their

children suerring rom ain. They feel that eole around them doesn’t care on their feelings and

think that someone will hurt them. So as a result, they isolate themselves rom others.

Lack of social support has also been taken into consideration as having an important

effect on coping with depression and may, in turn, serve as an important. Trigger o depressive

symptoms. Benson and Decter (1992 suggested that negative lie events and lack of social support

contributes to triggering depressive symptoms. Social support also has an interactive effect and

plays a powerful rule in diminishing depression effects on individuals who face stressful life

events.

According to Sim (2, other problems related with schooling explain depressive

symptoms. Pappas (215, teenage depression is somehow connected to cyber bullying in social
media according to new researches that study different online phenomena. Teenagers use social

media more often this days according to Michelle Hamm, it is more likely for teens to experience

depression when they are being bullied

Mayo clinic explains that there are many factors that lead to depression. First, is the

different in the brain, 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, like loss of a parent, emotional and sexual abuse

and these can leave a loss of a parent, emotional and sexual abuse and these can leave a lasting

effect that can contribute to their depression. The 3rd one is inherited traits research shows that if

a teen have a family member who is depressed, and it is most like or them to have it also the last

one is learned patterns of negative thinking, teens always think is 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, 21.

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, and A.K Thapar.,(212.

Additionally, in the study of 25, an early article about stress that also leads to depression is

categorized by feelings of tension, frustration too much worrying and sadness ( Walker 25,

ADAP, 27;Rantilla and Shrestha, 217.

Suicide Ideation

Suicide ideation refers to current plans and wishes to commit suicide in the absence of

any recent overt attempt (Ranier, Steer, Lavrence, Rissmiller, Piper, and Beck, 1987). They
explain that suicide ideation logically precedes a suicide attempt or completed suicide. A focus

on suicide ideation is an appropriate beginning.

A lot of suicide cases has been happening these days, no particular age has escaped from

it. Anyone might have suicide thoughts whenever they suffer from serious problems and matters

but then, this suicide ideation can lead already to suicide attempts and completion. Thus,

diagnosing the adolescents who are suicidal in thoughts is integral for it is already the first step

to help prevent these things since suicide ideation is associated with an attempt to commit

suicide.

Canetto (1997) explores the epidemiology of suicidal behavior, establishing that a higher

percentage of females than males (23.7 % and 14.8 %, respectively) engage in suicidal ideation

and that females are three times more likely to be non-fatally suicidal. Crowe et al. (2006,15)

also confirmed that depressed girls are more likely to have internal symptoms such as feeling

lonely and unhappy, crying and hating themselves. The study also concluded that for both the

adolescent girls and boys, the most common reported characteristics of depression includes

interpersonal (social withdrawal, irritability and loneliness) and thought processing symptoms.

According to the study, suicide ideation is more likely happening to females but they are

considered to be non-fatlly suicidal. Females are usually emotional because of the internal and

external factors around them that might cause depression and suicide ideation. One factor that

contributes to their depression is their withdrawal from their social circles and other

interpersonal matters.
RELATED STUDIES

Depression

Depression has been identified as a major factor leading to suicide. Suicides are

considered as secondary deaths due to their nature. This is because an individual who commits

suicide has often lost the will to live, which leads to the death of their inner strength and their

ability to exist effectively in the society. Depression is a significant factor when it comes to the

psychological well-being of an individual. It affects the mental, physical and emotional abilities

of a person. When affected by depression an individual tends to have fatigue affecting their

ability to carry out their day to day activities, mood swings affecting their association with others

and absent mindedness that can lead to accidents.

Adolescents who are depressed are likely wanting to escape from isolation, so they think

of committing suicide as this is the only way to end their suffering. Being depressed affect their

physical, mental and emotional stability. They are experiencing pain, unusually tired, and

troubling to sleep every night. It is hard for them to enjoy life because they are paranoid that

something bad will happen. According to some researches, adolescents nowadays thought of

taking their own life as the only option to escape from everything.

Beautrais (2000) emphasized that stressful life events that occur in an individual’s life

have a role in the development of depression. In addition, they may lead to an individual

committing suicide. Stress associated events tend to make an individual unable to control

emotions. When the stressful event become continuous and uncontrolled it becomes hard to

associate effectively with others. Most victims of depression tend to become increasingly
irritated, may drink alcohol excessively, loss appetite, or have an increased appetite or choose to

seclude themselves from the society.

Stressful life events that adolescents are most likely to experience as an individual is

being bullied or discriminate. People these days have a habit of judging a person’s physical

appearance. It is very popular to teenagers that’s why this is the highest leading factor of

depression. These events that are happening in their life has adverse effect to their way of living.

Individuals going through depression tend to isolate their selves from others. They always want

to be alone which leads them to hurt themselves.

Suicide Ideation
SYNTHESIS

Based from the literature review and related studies about depression, it is highly

experienced by adolescents for they are in the crucial stage of growth and development. At their

age, they become prone to many psychological complications particularly in depression as they

begin to experience varying circumstances and situations in life not just personally but also in

terms of their social life implications. As teenagers explore life and its aspects, they can

encounter several scenarios that might hurt them physically, emotionally, or even spiritually that

can be a contributing factor for them to suffer depressive symptoms. To put it simply,

adolescents are more likely to come across with depression.

In relation to suicide, several studies had concluded that depression is a major risk factor

for its occurrence but is not yet proven and verified. Majority of the researchers stated that

although depression largely contribute to suicide, there are still a lot of other factors present and

needs a consideration.

However, depression is still a serious matter that needs a lot of attention and guidance as

this encompasses and affects the life of an adolescent in many aspects. On the other hand, suicide

ideation also occurs to a teenager at some time varying on the factors. They might have suicide

thoughts whenever they experience troubles, problems etc. that might lead them to do suicide

attempts and suicide completion.

According to the studies, depression and suicide ideation

In conclusion, the literature review and related studies show some significance in terms

of understanding and knowing the depression and suicide ideation among teenagers.
Research Instrument

Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ)- The SIQ is a self-report instrument for suicide ideation

appropriate for adolescents at ages 14-17. As one component in a comprehensive assessment of

adolescent mental health, it can serve the professionals as an initial source of information. It does

not predict suicide in itself, however it has been shown to be a moderately to highly sensitive

marker of possible subsequent suicide attempts and broad suicidality. The SIQ has 6 items

ranging from very minor/non specific thoughts. Each items on the SIQ begins with "I thought","I

wondered","I wished". The respondent is asked to choose from a 7 point continuum (between

"Almost everyday" to " I never had this thought") to assess the frequency of that particular

though within the last month. A high score on the SIQ is indicative of frequent and pervasive

suicidal ideation.
 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

PHASE 1: PERCEPTUAL LEVEL

Suicide
Ideation

PHASE 2: RELATIONAL DIMENSION

Adolescents profile characteristics:

 Age
 Gender
 Religion
 Socio-economic status
 Strand

PHASE 3: QUALITATIVE PART

Experiential Learnings (Manifestation of