M.Sc. Psychologist
Daniel Schurr
Depressive mood
Depressions rarely appear out of nowhere. In most cases, they are the result of a prolonged downward spiral of stress, negative thoughts, and social withdrawal. On this page, you can learn about the early warning signs you should pay particular attention to.
What is depression?
In clinical psychology, depression is classified as one of the so-called affective disorders.
Affective disorders are the most common type of mental disorders worldwide. Typical symptoms of depression include:
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Low mood or irritability
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Decreased interest or pleasure in almost all activities
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Reduced drive or increased fatigue
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Feelings of worthlessness
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Self-blame and feelings of guilt
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Recurrent thoughts of death, including suicide attempts
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Difficulty concentrating
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Physical restlessness or inhibition
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Decreased or increased need for sleep
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Reduced or increased appetite
Important: If you are having suicidal thoughts, immediate action is necessary! You can reach the crisis helpline (Telefonseelsorge) in Germany around the clock nationwide at 116 123.
In life-threatening emergencies, contact the emergency services of the country you are in. In Germany, dial 112.
How does depression develop?
Depression rarely develops as a result of a single event or factor. Usually, it is a combination of predisposition, traumatic experiences, crises, physical or mental illnesses, losses, or separations that leads to a depressive episode. In addition, stress plays a crucial role. Social isolation, breakups, relocations, pressure to perform at work, or physical illnesses can trigger periods of intense stress, making us particularly vulnerable to developing depressive symptoms.
Expats often have only a small social network at their place of residence and, at the same time, face unique challenges (pressure to perform at work, intercultural relationships, dealing with local authorities, feelings of guilt toward family members in Germany, and more). At the same time, finding a psychologist in their local area can be challenging, if not impossible.
For this reason, it is especially important for expats not to neglect their mental health and to take action at the first signs of emerging depression. Often, reducing everyday stress, spending more time with close people, forming new relationships, or setting and pursuing specific goals for one’s personal life can already be helpful. In addition, working with a psychologist in an online-counseling format can provide valuable support.
How can counseling help with depressive moods?
Psychological counseling aims to support people in coping with crises and stressful life situations.
Unlike in-person psychotherapy, which focuses on the treatment of mental illness, psychological counseling can also take place in an online format. This makes it accessible to people living abroad.
The goal of counseling is to help you better understand and process your own emotions and thoughts.
Together, we work on developing helpful strategies for dealing with challenging phases of life in a healthy way. In the course of our online sessions, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of your current situation and explore paths out of your crisis.