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

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the language of depression and suicidal thoughts among Nigerian students, focusing on how these emotions are expressed in written and spoken texts, and the role cultural and societal norms play in shaping these linguistic patterns. Using a mixed-method approach, the research was conducted at University of Port-Harcourt, where 392 students were initially sampled. After excluding incomplete responses, data from 325 participants were analysed. A structured questionnaire, guided by the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) framework, was used to capture linguistic markers of depression and suicidal ideation. The findings revealed a high prevalence of depressive language among students, characterized by themes of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. Nearly 50% of respondents admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts, with the majority feeling unable to seek help due to cultural stigmas surrounding mental health discussions. The analysis also demonstrated how linguistic features, such as the use of absolutist terms (e.g., "always" and "never") and negative emotion words, were prevalent in the expressions of students experiencing mental health challenges. The study contributes to the field by identifying specific linguistic markers that signal depression and suicidal ideation within the Nigerian cultural context. It also highlights the impact of societal norms on mental health expression, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions and policy reforms in Nigeria. Furthermore, the research offers practical applications of linguistic analysis in identifying at-risk individuals for early intervention. The study concludes with recommendations for expanding research to other institutions, employing advanced linguistic tools like Natural Language Processing (NLP), and developing culturally competent frameworks for addressing mental health issues in Nigeria. Key findings emphasize the importance of reducing stigma and providing supportive mental health services in Nigerian universities, where open dialogue and early intervention could significantly reduce the burden of depression and suicide among students.