THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION ON ADOLESCENT AND THE ROLE OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, A STUDY OF THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

This study investigates the impact of depression on adolescents and explores the role of school social workers in addressing this mental health issue in secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Depression among adolescents has become a growing concern due to its adverse effects on academic performance, behavior, and social relationships. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of depression among adolescents, identify its major causes, and examine the availability and effectiveness of school social workers in managing students' mental health challenges. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire which included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression levels. A total of 370 students from selected secondary schools in Egor LGA participated in the study. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and the Chi-square statistical tool to test for significant differences. Findings revealed that 63.5% ofrespondents experienced symptoms of depression ranging from mild to severe. The leading causes of depression included academic pressure, family conflicts, social isolation, and financial difficulties. Female students were found to exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to male students. Furthermore, the study found that the presence of school social workers was limited, and their role in managing adolescent depression was underutilized due to staffing shortages and lack of awareness. The study concludes that depression significantly affects adolescents in secondary schools, and that there is a pressing need to strengthen mental health support systems, particularly by increasing the presence and functionality of school social workers