UB Students Tackle Depression, Suicide

Staff Writer | Monday November 12, 2018 17:15

 

Fourth-year Bachelor of Psychology students, who took the course to teach their peers about depression and suicide at a mental health seminar, recently shared this.

Research indicates that depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in many populations and that many suicide cases are related to depression.

Given this, the students said it is paramount to raise awareness on depression and suicide as a stepping-stone to curbing the suicide rate in the country. Botlhe Ntsinyane defined depression as a mood or emotional state that is marked by feelings of sadness.

“It is not a passing low mood but rather persistent feelings of sadness and worthlessness and a lack of desire to engage in formerly pleasurable activities. These feelings may prevent individuals from leading a normal life, at work, socially or within their family,” she said.

She went on to mention signs of depression being sadness, anxiety, withdrawal from others, neglecting responsibilities, thoughts of death and suicide and chronic fatigue amongst others.

Ntsinyane also shared with the students’ risk factors, which include young age, debt, family history, history of sexual abuse and separation and divorce amongst other things.She went on to share about three major types of depression.

“Major depression is characterised by intense feelings of sadness, persistent depression develops over a period of time and post natal depression that occurs after giving birth,” she said.

Another speaker, Benjamin Bolaane shared results of a 2014 study carried out at the University on depression and suicide, which showed that 60% of the students thought of taking their lives before. He also revealed that three in 10 of the students attempted to commit suicide.

Bolaane encouraged the students to look out for one another and ask their friends questions when they notice changes. He called on them to explore resources available to them including family members and the University’s psychology development for help.