Depression In DELSU: A Call To Action

By Udezue Onyinyechukwu Favour

In recent times, there have been a series of report on suicide among students of the Delta State University (DELSU). The likes of Orumah Efemena of the Pharmacy department, Tejiri Direia, a drop-out of the Nursing department and Evelyn Mogekwo, a Microbiology student are some of the names associated with this phenomenon.

Suicide is the apex of depression. The aforementioned students, no doubt, constitute just a little fraction of the many DELSU students under the slavery of depression. How many more Delsuites could be faced with the giant — depression? What burden may lie beneath the glowing faces and pretty smiles people wear on the outside? These are but a few questions that should be considered in this great citadel of learning.

It is, however, disheartening that the society, DELSU, not excluded has paid little or no attention to the reality of depression, especially among youngsters. The question is — What does depression entail? Depression is simply a mental challenge. It is an abnormality in the minds of people that makes them sad, frustrated and despondent. Depression affects the overall thinking, behavior and actions of an individual. It is the reason a sixteen-year-old girl would lock up herself in her room- all alone. It is the reason a twenty-one-year-old boy would purchase a bottle of sniper- just to take his own life.

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Over the years, several stories on people undergoing depression have been reported. As at 2021, the percentage of depressed Nigerians as given by the World Health Organization (WHO), was estimated 3.9%. The WHO also added that Nigeria is the most depressed African country. Young adults rank the most depressed age group.

Depression comes in diverse forms. Among which are the persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, bipolar disorder and psychotic depression. Postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and seasonal affective disorder are temporary, while persistent depressive disorder and psychotic depression which may involve hallucinations, persist for a longer time. Depending on the form, several factors are traceable to depression, especially among students. One of which is traumatic experiences. Trauma is an emotional and mental wound. It could result from loss of loved ones, physical or sexual abuse. Trauma leaves an indelible mark-a scar on the minds of individuals who experience it. Just like physical injury, some traumatic experiences can be healed, while others never heal up. Many students have experienced one form of trauma or the other. It builds up into depression.

Another possible cause of depression is low self-esteem. Self-esteem is the way people see themselves-the value they have for themselves. The society today has become a den of comparison. Many people want to be like others. They believe that they are not enough. This is low self-esteem. Due to this, some may fall into depression. A delsuite when asked the reason for her depression, attributed it to low self-esteem. This, however, depends on the person’s temperament.
Furthermore, a poor medical state or physical disability of a person can instill the spirit of depression in the person. A continuous occurrence of illness can be challenging- both physically or mentally. If this persists, it gravitates towards depression. For instance, a repeated experience of crises by a sickle cell aneamia patient can make the patient depressed.In the same vein, people who are physically impaired may feel out-of-place in the crowd. Without doubt, acceptance is a core evidence of fulfilment to humans. Thus, physically challenged individuals can fall into depression because they feel that they don’t belong.
Generally, depression can emanate from many factors. It can originate from drug abuse or alcohol addiction. Several environmental and psychological factors can culminate in depression.

Students who undergo depression exhibit some traits. Persistent sadness, lack of interest in doing things, withdrawal from people and fatigue are some of these symptoms. Depressed people have abnormal appetite and sleep. They feel helpless, hopeless and worthless. of suicide crowns it all.

Owing to the nature of depression, it spells doom for both the victim, the university community and the entire nation. At the student level, depression can affect the student academically and socially. Depressed students perform poorly in their academics. Since depression brings about difficulty in concentration, a depressed student would find it difficult to focus on his studies. He may experience memory loss, lag in class attendance and assignments. This results in subsequent academic failure.
Moreover, depression fuels unproductivity in students. A depressed mind is an unproductive mind. Students faced with depression have limited ability to formulate new ideas that will better their lives. This is because the primary engine for creating ideas is the mind. When a person is depressed, such person is mentally paralyzed. Thus, depression may also affect the financial life of the student.

Socially, depressed students are more likely to have a poor social life. Most often, they are relegated and isolated amidst people. This is not to imply that students undergoing depression do not have friends. They just isolate themselves at intervals. Depression comes like an insurmountable mountain to the inflicted. As such, some depressed folks do not confide in anyone.
Depression among students can lead to many unthinkable things which the society frowns at. Some of which are drug and alcohol abuse, addiction to social media and even suicide. At the societal level, students’ depression can hamper the society’s future. A well-known cliché says ” Youths are the future of our nation.” But what happens when this supposed future is held down by the shackles of depression? This suggests a bleak future.
Depression is real. This is incontestable.

However, this awareness does no good if workable solutions are not proferred. Combatting depression will require more than just proferring solutions, establishing a Counselling center and just organizing symposia. It will demand a conscious and consistent effort by the university management, lecturers, the Student Union Government (SUG) body and every student. They should all be aware that there are many students facing depression and everyone has a part to play.
The management should organize mental health awareness forum. The Guidance and Counselling Centre should be mobilized. The lecturers should enlighten the students on the need to confide their mental challenges in a confidant or counsellor. The students should be mindful of how they relate with colleagues- their words, their actions and their reactions because depression is not written boldly on the face of people. Parents should be interested in the mental health of their children. Finally, the depressed student must know that he is not alone in the world; that his challenge is not the end of the road. There is light at the end of the tunnel. The fight against depression in Delsu must begin from the highest authority to the depressed.

This is a call to take action against the venom of depression. If attention is given to the mental health of students; if students are given an environment that allow them confide their misery in trusted people, maybe Delsu will not have another Orumah who will commit suicide because of poor grades. Maybe there will be no Evelyn who will take her life because of heartbreak.