International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET) ISSN: 2321-9653; IC Value: 45.98; SJ Impact Factor: 7.177 Volume 8 Issue I, Jan 2020- Available at www.ijraset.com 645 © IJRASET: All Rights are Reserved Stress Response Syndrome: The Struggles of PSD SHS Students who are Distressed in Certain Situations Dr. Julie Ann B. Real 1 , Younis K. Sumaling 2 , Hesham A. Abdurasid 3 , Kafelnikov C. Dela Rosa 4 , Danielle Tess A. Dofredo 5 , Aliyah Dana M. Guiang 6 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Philippine School Doha, Doha, Qatar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Research Development, Accreditation and Publication Office, PSD, Doha, Qatar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Research Capstone Project, PSD, Doha, Qatar Abstract: Background: The term "depression" is often misused as the term "distress" without knowing that the term "depression" is a clinical term and a person cannot be in a depressed state unless diagnosed by a doctor or a psychiatrist. This study will enable the general public to know and notice the indications being displayed by the distressed subjects, and may be able to prevent anything drastic from happening. Methods: The study makes use of the qualitative phenomenological research design, wherein it focused on an individual's experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. The study is based on the central question: "How do SHS students cope with their distress on certain situations?". The data was collected through the process of a semi- structured interview containing twenty-five developmental questions. Findings: Findings show the participants' various situations that caused them distress, triggered by unwanted and disappointing or frustrating events. Conclusions: Fisher (2015) cited that adolescence is a complex developmental stage where individuals develop an increasingly sophisticated conceptual framework for their own emotional experiences. Recommendations: This paper suggests a more broadened research on this topic and must refrain from medical-based research and more of emotional and psychological approach on this matter, wherein it is understood by readers of a wider knowledge background. Keywords: Emotional Distress, Adolescent Sophistications, Depression, Coping Mechanisms, Adolescent Development I. INTRODUCTION Of all the possible studies to be conducted, this particular study is chosen as this study is something various students and others may relate to as they have seen particular people of around the same age to be exhibiting symptoms of distress – which is often misdiagnosed as symptoms of depression. In popular culture today, the term “depression” is often misused as the term “distress” without knowing that the term “depression” is a clinical term and a person cannot be in a depressed state unless diagnosed by a doctor or a psychiatrist, who considers a set of conditions. What people feel, which they call depression, is just a temporary feeling of sadness, if not, extreme sadness. Lexico (2019) defined depression as feelings of severe despondency (sorrow) and dejection (sadness), which is more inclined to the definition of the more universal term “distress”, therefore it is not entirely true in correctly defining depression and will most likely mislead many people into thinking that what they are feeling is depression, when in fact it is just distress and it will pass soon than anticipated. Depression is correctly defined as a common or serious medical illness that negatively affects how a person feels in response to a negative situation, the way a person thinks or act and others (Parekh, 2017). Distress on the other hand, as defined by American Psychological Association (2018),is the negative stress response: a type of stress that results from being overwhelmed by demands, losses, or perceived threats. It has a detrimental effect by generating physical and psychological maladaptation and posing serious health risks for individuals. Distress, which is often mistermed as depression by many, is a topic that is not widely considered in the public and has a dangerous outcome if not deliberated upon. Cases like these are commonly found among teenagers. This is why the focus of this study is about teenagers, specifically, the Senior High School students of Philippine School Doha. This study is vital not only to adolescents or students, but to adults in general – such as: concerned parents, teachers, and school administrators. This study enables the general public to know and notice the warning signs being displayed by the distressed subjects, and may be able to prevent anything drastic from happening. School personnel can make a big difference by always being aware and looking for the possibility that a child is not particularly showcasing disobedient behavior (Proctor, 2017). Comfort with self-disclosure is a factor in whether the distressed person will seek professional help. Individuals with more discomfort in disclosing emotionally distressing issues needed more support (Vogel &