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

National Depression Awareness Day, observed on February 23rd, is an opportunity to pause and draw attention to one of the most serious health challenges of our time. Depression is an illness that affects people of all ages – students, doctoral candidates, academics, and administrative staff.
According to the World Health Organization, over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, making it one of the most common causes of impaired functioning and absenteeism from work and school.
In academic environments, especially technical ones – where performance pressure, high cognitive demands, perfectionism, and working under time pressure often dominate – symptoms of depression can go unnoticed or downplayed for a long time.

What is depression?

Depression isn't a temporary feeling of sadness, fatigue, or a "bad patch." It's an illness that affects how we think, experience emotions, and function daily. It can impair one's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and maintain relationships—even when someone appears to be "doing well" from the outside.

The most common symptoms of depression include:

• long-term low mood,
• loss of interest and the ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia),
• difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions,
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia) and appetite,
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, excessive self-criticism,
• thoughts of resignation or suicide.

The Biopsychosocial Underpinnings of Depression

Depression has no single cause. It is the result of the interaction of many factors, including:

• biological: such as neurotransmitter dysfunction (e.g., serotonin, dopamine), genetic predisposition, and somatic illnesses;
• psychological: including low self-esteem, perfectionism, rigid thinking patterns, difficulty regulating emotions;
• social: chronic stress, overload, loneliness, lack of support, experiences of violence, or long-term pressure.

It's worth emphasizing: depression is not a sign of weakness or lack of competence. It can also affect high-functioning, ambitious, and responsible individuals.

What can you do for yourself?

If you notice disturbing symptoms:

• Pay attention to them: A prolonged low mood is a sign that shouldn't be ignored.
• Seek support: Talking to a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist can be the first step to improvement.
• Don't isolate yourself: Even short, regular contact with others is important.
• Take care of the basics: Sleep, regular meals, and physical activity truly support the functioning of the nervous system.
• Be kind to yourself: Depression is an illness, not a personal failure.

Treating Depression

Depression is a treatable illness. Effective treatment most often includes:

1. psychotherapy (especially cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy),
2. pharmacological therapy – if necessary (e.g., SSRIs),
3. in more severe cases – more intensive forms of treatment, including hospitalization.

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual situation of the person seeking help.

When is it necessary to seek help?

Don't delay contacting a specialist if:

• symptoms persist for more than two weeks,
• you notice a significant decline in functioning in school, work, or relationships,
• you experience suicidal thoughts or a feeling that "you can't go on."

Professional support can save your health, and sometimes your life.

Remember!

National Depression Awareness Day is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. In our academic community, we want to talk about this openly – without shame or judgment.

• You don't have to cope alone.
• Help is available.
• Depression is treatable.