Beyond Mental Health Diagnosis: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Students with Depression

Depression continues to weigh heavily on students, affecting both their studies and personal lives, yet stigma and limited mental health services often prevent them from seeking help. In the Philippines, cultural values and family ties strongly shape how struggles are understood; however, support is not always enough when awareness of mental health remains low. Specifically, in the Cordillera, the deeper emotional weight of student depression—and the kinds of support students themselves find most meaningful—remains little explored. To address this gap, this study brings their voices forward, offering insights that can guide more student-centered and culturally rooted approaches to care. In particular, it explores the psycho-emotional experiences of students diagnosed with depression and the support mechanisms they perceive as most beneficial. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, utilized purposive sampling, and applied Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Findings revealed that students navigate their condition by rebuilding identity, balancing academics, and redefining relationships, which may either deepen through empathy or weaken through misunderstanding. Moreover, four key supports emerged—Kapwa-oriented support, spiritual guidance, personal agency, and non-judgmental space—underscoring the need for schools and policymakers to create inclusive environments, strengthen guidance services, and develop mental health programs that are both culturally sensitive and centered on students' lived realities.