Philippine E-Journals

I Am Trapped in My Father's Image: When Depression Does the Domino

Therese Marie Francoise Janagap

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

One of the silent killers nowadays is depression. The researcher was shocked to learn that a student who appeared very normal was at the brink of suicide because of depression. Worst, the father who was the cause of the son’s misery had depression, too. This study was meant to save more lives in school and in the community. This attempt is a case study told in the first person point of view narrated by the son. The son and his father were both diagnosed with clinical depression. Interview and observations were the main methods in gathering related data. The observation started in school when the student and the father came to see the guidance counselor. The researcher overheard the harsh scolding of the father to the son. Since the guidance counselor was not around, the researcher took initiative to help them. She interviewed the father first, who was obviously having hangover, and then the child. The interview transcripts revealed that the father had been abusive in terms of his behavior towards his wife and their five children; three boys and two younger girls. He was known a drunkard and would beat his wife every time he got drunk, which brought fear and eventually trauma to the children. Having enough of the abuse and beating, the wife together with her two younger girls left the husband and three boys. This worsened the undiscovered depression of the father as he felt lonely, hopeless and worthless which led to him attempting suicide. The son, tagged as “weird” in school was deeply affected by his broken family. He was often absent in school, had trouble sleeping at night because of intrusive thoughts that bothered him, would text that he wanted to commit suicide, and lost interest in coming to school. After the student’s revelation, the researcher tapped the help of a psychiatrist to help them out. The two underwent therapy and they have become optimistic and hopeful in life. It is recommended that teachers should be sensitive to the feelings and trials that students go through. To give attention to them, there should have a regular homeroom meeting which would involve heart-to-heart talk of advisers with students to know their pains. The school should also educate teachers and students on the signs and effects of this mental health issue in order to help more learners and parents survive this sting. The impact of this research lies on saving the lives of two persons and others who are unaware of the threats of depression. Likewise, the story has opened the eyes of other guidance counselors and teachers all the more to be sensitive to the signs and symptoms of depression they observe on their clienteles – students and their parents.