THE LANGUAGE OF DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS (A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT)

1.1 Background to the Study

Depression and suicidal thoughts are increasingly recognized as significant public health concerns worldwide, affecting people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 300 million people globally suffer from depression, making it a leading cause of disability. Furthermore, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29 (WHO, 2021). Depression is often characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a wide range of cognitive and emotional disturbances. Suicidal thoughts, which are often linked to depression, represent a more severe mental health crisis and involve considerations or plans to end one's life (Rotenstein et al., 2016).

 

Language plays a crucial role in the manifestation of mental health conditions such as depression and suicidal ideation. Studies suggest that the way individuals express their emotions, whether verbally or in writing, can offer significant insights into their psychological state (Rude et al., 2004; Al-Mosaiwi & Johnstone, 2018). For instance, people experiencing depression tend to use more first-person singular pronouns (e.g., "I," "me"), signifying self-focused attention, while their language may also reflect feelings of hopelessness and helplessness (Pestian et al., 2020). In addition, those with suicidal ideation often display a higher frequency of absolutist language (e.g., "always," "never"), which indicates a more rigid and negative worldview (Al-Mosaiwi & Johnstone, 2018).

 

Over the past decade, linguistic analyses of mental health have increasingly turned to online and written forms of communication, such as blogs, social media posts, and academic writings (O’Dea et al., 2021). Researchers have found that by examining these forms of self-expression, they can predict the onset or intensity of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation (Cummins et al., 2015). For example, studies utilizing computerized text analysis tools like the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) have been effective in identifying linguistic markers of depression and suicide in written texts (Lumontod III, 2020; De Choudhury & Kiciman, 2017). These methods offer a non-invasive approach to understanding the mental states of individuals, allowing for early intervention and potentially saving lives.

 

In the Nigerian context, depression and suicidal thoughts among young people, particularly students, are becoming increasingly concerning. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is experiencing a surge in mental health issues, with depression being one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions (Rotenstein et al., 2016). Various factors contribute to this rise, including economic instability, high levels of academic pressure, societal expectations, and a lack of sufficient mental health resources (Sierra et al., 2022). The situation is further exacerbated by the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigerian society, which discourages individuals from seeking help, leading to a high prevalence of untreated mental health disorders.

 

For Nigerian students, academic stress is one of the most prominent contributors to depression and suicidal ideation (Flores et al., 2020). The immense pressure to perform well in school, coupled with limited job opportunities and a highly competitive job market, often leads to feelings of despair and worthlessness. Furthermore, cultural expectations, especially from family members, can significantly compound these feelings, creating a sense of failure when students are unable to meet these expectations. The lack of mental health services in Nigerian universities further complicates the situation, leaving many students to cope with their depression and suicidal thoughts in silence.

 

The language students use to express their emotions can provide critical clues about their mental health status. A growing body of research suggests that students experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts use language that reflects their emotional distress (Li et al., 2023). For instance, their writings may include expressions of hopelessness, isolation, and extreme distress. Studies have also shown that the more negative and absolute the language, the greater the likelihood that the individual is experiencing suicidal ideation (Al-Mosaiwi & Johnstone, 2018). Identifying these linguistic markers in Nigerian students' writings could provide a valuable tool for early intervention, allowing for timely mental health support and potentially reducing suicide rates among this vulnerable population.

 

In sum, the language of depression and suicidal thoughts among Nigerian students is an under-explored area that warrants further investigation. Given the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among this group and the potential for language analysis to offer insights into their psychological states, this study aims to explore the specific linguistic patterns used by Nigerian students who experience depression and suicidal ideation. By understanding these patterns, the study hopes to contribute to the broader field of linguistic psychology and provide a foundation for developing effective mental health interventions tailored to the Nigerian context.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the growing recognition of mental health issues among young people globally, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding depression and suicidal thoughts among Nigerian students. Mental health issues are often under-reported in Nigeria due to societal stigma and the lack of accessible mental health services (Rotenstein et al., 2016). This under-reporting makes it challenging to provide adequate care and intervention for affected individuals. Furthermore, while studies in Western countries have identified specific linguistic markers of depression and suicidal thoughts (Rude et al., 2004; Homan et al., 2022), little is known about the language patterns used by Nigerian students experiencing these conditions.

 

This gap in knowledge limits the ability of mental health professionals, educators, and policy-makers to address the unique needs of Nigerian students. Given the rising rates of depression and suicide among this group, there is an urgent need for research that explores how these students express their mental health struggles. Understanding the linguistic expressions associated with depression and suicidal ideation could provide a non-invasive means of identifying at-risk students and facilitating early intervention. This study seeks to address this gap by analysing the language of Nigerian students and identifying the linguistic markers of depression and suicidal thoughts in their writings.

 

 

 

 

 

1.3 Research Questions

1. What are the key linguistic markers of depression and suicidal thoughts in the written and spoken expressions of Nigerian students?

2. How does the language of Nigerian students reflect their emotional and psychological state when experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts?

3. To what extent does cultural context influence the language used by Nigerian students in expressing their mental health challenges?

4. Can linguistic analysis be used as an early intervention tool to identify students at risk of depression and suicidal ideation in Nigerian universities?

 

1.4 Aims and Objectives

1. To identify the linguistic markers of depression and suicidal thoughts in the writings of Nigerian students.

2. To examine the relationship between linguistic expression and emotional distress among Nigerian students.

3. To explore how cultural factors influence the language of mental health in Nigeria.

4. To assess the potential of using linguistic analysis as an early intervention tool for identifying at-risk students.

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. First, it addresses a critical gap in the existing literature by focusing on the language of depression and suicidal thoughts among Nigerian students. Most research in this field has been conducted in Western contexts, and little is known about how mental health is expressed linguistically in Nigeria. By focusing on Nigerian students, this study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the intersection between language, culture, and mental health in non-Western settings.

 

Second, the study has practical implications for mental health interventions in Nigerian universities. By identifying specific linguistic markers associated with depression and suicidal thoughts, the findings could help educators, counsellors, and mental health professionals identify at-risk students earlier and provide timely support. This could ultimately lead to a reduction in suicide rates among Nigerian students.

 

Finally, the study’s insights into the language of depression and suicidal thoughts could inform public health policies and educational programs aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria. Understanding how students express their struggles may also help to develop more effective communication strategies for mental health campaigns.

 

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the linguistic analysis of depression and suicidal thoughts among university students in Nigeria. The study will examine written and spoken texts produced by Nigerian students, including academic essays, social media posts, and personal diaries, to identify linguistic markers associated with depression and suicidal ideation. While the primary focus will be on students in higher education, the findings may have broader implications for understanding mental health in other Nigerian youth populations.

 

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and cognitive disturbances that impair daily functioning.

Suicidal Ideation: Thoughts or considerations of self-harm or suicide, often associated with feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Linguistic Markers: Specific language features, such as word choice, tone, and sentence structure, that may indicate an individual’s mental or emotional state.

Mental Health: The psychological and emotional well-being of an individual, which can be influenced by various factors, including life events, stress, and biological conditions.

Cultural Context: The set of social, religious, and familial norms and values that influence an individual’s behaviour, beliefs, and expressions, particularly in relation to mental health.