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 a high risk of suicide. To date, there are few in-depth 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.

KEYWORDS:

• Young people
• depression
• phenomenology
• lived experiences
• student years

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank James Cared, Jules and Lucy for their time, trust, and openness in sharing their own life stories and contributing to this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dorota Martin

Dorota Martin is an educational and child psychologist working for Kirklees Educational Psychology Service, UK. Previously Dorota was a doctoral student, and is currently an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester. Her research interests include child and adolescent mental health, resilience, wellbeing, and therapeutic approaches.

Cathy Atkinson

Cathy Atkinson is Curriculum Director of the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology programme at the University of Manchester, UK and a practising educational psychologist. Her research interests include motivational interviewing, adolescent mental health and therapeutic approaches.