Grief, social support and depression among university students

Abstract

It has been reported that university students suffer from experiences of grief and depression. Reported cases involve all university students because anyone can experience grief regardless of anything. These cases are reported among both male and female students in universities around Kampala aged between 18 -30 years. This study sought to examine the relationship between grief, social support and depression among university students in Kampala. The study was descriptive using qualitative study design to examine the experiences of grief, depression and social support among university students. Using the Pearson correlation, the hypotheses were tested some of the null hypotheses were retained and others rejected. The study revealed that there was no significant relationship between grief and social support, there was a significant relationship between social support and depression and finally there was a significant relationship between grief and depression among University students. According to the study results it was evident that students can grief and still don't need social support but get other ways of coping like change in environment. Students who are depressed really need social support to help them cope and finally grieved students proved to be depressed. Based on the research findings, the study draws the following recommendations; Students should talk about how they are feeling to those close to them, it could be a friend or family member, or even a therapist when they are ready. Universities should create a wellness campaign. Students, faculty, and staff should be trained on how to work together to improve the mental health of everyone on campus.