University students’ accounts of living with depression

Abstract

Depression is experienced by children and young people worldwide and can have serious long-term impacts, including high risk of suicide. To date there are few indepth qualitative studies investigating young people's experiences of living with depression and how this affects their education. The current study investigated university students' lived experiences of depression. Three students, aged 19-21 participated in three sequential individual interviews, each with a different focus: before living with depression; the experience of living with depression; and reflections of the meaning of living with depression. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), identifying master themes. This paper reports on findings from two themes: 'the weariness of the world was upon me', and 'it all fell down to chance' which discuss students' experiences of living with depression; and facilitators and barriers to accessing help. These are discussed in relation to transition to university, help seeking and accessing support. Limitations of the study are considered and possible implications for practice outlined.

Wordsworth's View of Nature: Return to nature and Find Psychological Well-being

“…"Rates of depression can be particularly high amongst young people aged16-24 , the age at which many young people start university." (Martin and Atkinson, 2020). A considerable number of students become anxious because they pay too much attention to their academic performance, as if academic performance will decide everything in their future life.…”