Depression doesn't choose a field of study, academic degree, or position. It can affect anyone.

On February 23—National Depression Awareness Day—it is worth highlighting an issue that affects the academic community as well. Depression can impact students, doctoral candidates, and academic, teaching, and administrative staff alike, regardless of age or life circumstances.
According to the World Health Organization, depression affects over 280 million people worldwide. It can significantly impair daily functioning, studies, work, and relationships with others.
In an academic setting, symptoms of depression are not always easy to spot. High expectations, performance pressure, the need for continuous learning, working under tight deadlines, and perfectionism can cause mental health struggles to remain hidden for a long time—even from the individuals themselves. A person might continue teaching classes, writing publications, attending lectures, and fulfilling their duties, all while finding it increasingly difficult to cope with everyday life.

What is depression?

Depression is more than just sadness, fatigue, or a temporary slump. It is a disorder that can affect emotions, thought patterns, motivation, and daily functioning.
A key warning sign is a persistent change compared to how the person functioned previously. Symptoms may include, among others:

• low mood or a sense of despondency,
• loss of interest and difficulty experiencing pleasure,
• problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making,
• sleep disturbances—either insomnia or excessive sleepiness,
• changes in appetite,
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or intense self-criticism,
• a drop in energy and motivation,
• thoughts of giving up or suicidal ideation.

Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and their severity can vary.

What causes depression?

No single cause of depression has been identified. It is usually linked to an interplay of various factors—biological, psychological, and social.
Contributing factors may include biological and genetic predispositions, other medical conditions and general health, coping mechanisms for stress, ingrained thought patterns, low self-esteem, or excessive perfectionism. Life circumstances also play a significant role—such as chronic stress, being overwhelmed by responsibilities, loneliness, a lack of support, or difficult life experiences.
Therefore, depression cannot be reduced to the idea that someone simply "worries too much" or "should try harder." Depression is not a sign of weakness; it can affect ambitious, responsible individuals who are otherwise capable of handling their responsibilities well.

What can you do if you notice worrying symptoms?

Above all, it is important not to ignore them. If you have been feeling different than usual for an extended period—lacking energy, finding it increasingly hard to concentrate, or losing interest in things that once brought you joy—it is a good time to seek support.
The following steps can be helpful:

• talking to someone you trust—you don’t need to have a solution ready right away;
• contacting a professional—such as a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist;
• staying in touch with others, even if you feel like withdrawing;
• taking care of basic needs—regular sleep, meals, and at least a little physical activity;
• avoiding excessive demands on yourself—during difficult times, doing something "well enough" can be more important than doing everything perfectly.

Depression can be treated

Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms as well as the individual's specific situation. Depending on needs, psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both may be used. In severe cases, more intensive treatment, including hospitalization, may be required.
When should you seek help?
It is best not to wait until your difficulties become unbearable. Consulting a specialist is particularly important if:

• low mood or other symptoms persist for at least two weeks,
• you find it increasingly difficult to function at university, at work, or in your relationships,
• you notice a distinct change in your behavior or daily routine,
• thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide arise.

If you experience suicidal thoughts or feel that you might harm yourself, do not face this alone. Seek immediate help and contact emergency services or the nearest emergency department.

You do not have to cope alone

National Depression Awareness Day is an opportunity to remind everyone that mental health is an integral part of overall health—even when everything appears fine on the surface.
In the academic environment, it is all too easy to get used to operating at full speed and to treat fatigue, overwhelm, or a drop in mood as things that simply need to be "waited out."
But that is not always necessary—or possible.
If things have changed and you are finding it increasingly difficult to function, it is important to speak up and seek help. Depression is treatable.