Depression and the Suicide Risk on High School Students

Abstract

Introduction. Depression is a mental disorder which, worldwide, affects adolescents more than any other age group. It has become an important factor to consider when assessing suicidality. Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between depression and suicidality among secondary students in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Methodology. The study followed the descriptive correlational research model with a sample of 252 high school students. The students in the sample were chosen at random and varied in school year, group, and sex. The methods used in this study were Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck’s Suicidal Ideation Scale (BSI). Results. 68.7% of students displayed low-grade depression, followed by mild depression (12.3%), moderate depression (10.7%) and finally severe depression (8.3%). The relationship between depression and suicidality had a positive, significant correlation (rs=0.696, p<.01). In addition, those adolescents with more severe depression were also found to have greater suicidal ideation.Discussion. According to the results of this study, the student population had been showng signs of depression due to the constant changes they must go through at this stage of life. These changes include ones that are physical, psychological, or social. As adolescents, students will not yet have the right self-control or ability to adapt to their social setting. This only reinforces the claim that adolescents with higher levels of depression, also have greater levels of suicidal ideation. Conclusions. It is of critical importance that the health sector, as well as society itself, offer added assistance to this age group. Specific behaviors should be encouraged in adolescents that will aid them in getting through this stage, which in turn will work to avoid depressive episodes which could make one more vulnerable to thoughts of suicde / more likely to commit suicide.