Depression among students is often recognised late, because it tends to show up more quietly than expected. Persistent low mood, loss of interest and exhaustion are frequently dismissed as a phase, as a result of exam pressure or as a personality trait. Classifying the signs early makes it easier to find support. This guide describes how a depressive phase can show itself, how it differs from exam stress and which services you can turn to.
Short answer: Typical signs of depression include persistent low mood, loss of interest, lack of drive, sleep problems and difficulty concentrating, lasting over a longer period. A qualified professional, such as a GP practice or a psychotherapy consultation, makes the assessment. For a first conversation, the Telefonseelsorge (telephone counselling service, in German) is available around the clock on 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222. The 116117 service (German medical referral number) arranges appointments. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- Persistent low mood, lack of drive and loss of interest are typical signs that do not go away just by studying more or sleeping more.
- A professional assesses depression. An online self-test does not replace that assessment.
- During studies, symptoms are easily confused with exam stress. What matters is whether the state lasts for weeks, even when the pressure eases.
- The Telefonseelsorge is available around the clock and free of charge. It suits a first conversation, including in acute moments.
- The 116117 service arranges appointments. According to the Verbraucherzentrale (German consumer advice centre), no referral is needed for the psychotherapy consultation.
- Many universities offer psychological counselling, whose services and appointment booking differ by location.
How do you recognise depression in everyday student life?
Depression changes mood, thinking, bodily sensations and behaviour. In studies, these changes often show first in learning, in lectures and in contact with other people. Individual bad days are part of life. It becomes noticeable when a pattern persists for weeks and your everyday life visibly narrows.
| Area | Possible signs in studies |
|---|---|
| Mood | Persistent low mood, irritability, a feeling of inner emptiness |
| Drive | Lectures are missed, deadlines pass, getting started on work is hard |
| Interests | Hobbies, friendships and things that once gave pleasure seem indifferent |
| Sleep and body | Sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite, lasting exhaustion |
| Thinking | Trouble concentrating, rumination, strong self-doubt about performance |
The table does not replace a diagnosis. It helps you compare changes with your usual state. The course over time matters more than any single symptom.
How do you tell depression apart from exam stress?
Exam stress is usually tied to a specific date and eases once the exam is over. A depressive phase often persists even when the pressure lets up. Typically, enjoyment is missing in things that used to come naturally, and the mood does not lift even on free days. If you are unsure, note how the state develops and seek a conversation with a professional rather than answering the question alone.
This is how you can organise your observations before you book an appointment:
- Note down briefly each day how your mood, sleep and drive were.
- Record whether your state recovers after stressful periods or whether it persists.
- Bring the notes to your conversation with your GP practice or psychotherapist.
Which circumstances in studies can increase the strain?
Studying brings many changes at once. Moving to a new city, losing familiar contacts, financial worries, part-time jobs alongside studies and unclear prospects can reinforce each other. Some students also feel pressure from performance demands or from comparing themselves with others. These circumstances do not fully explain a depressive phase, but they make it harder to cope alone.
It helps not to attribute everything to your studies. A conversation with a professional also considers sleep, exercise, social contact and previous illnesses. If you wonder whether your studies are the cause, it is worth looking at the counselling offers of your university as well.
What help does the university offer?
Many universities have a psychological counselling service for students. Their services, appointment booking and target groups differ by location. An overview of how to book an appointment there is in the guide Psychological counselling at university. If longer treatment is needed, a university psychotherapy clinic may be an option, described in University psychotherapy clinic.
How do you reach a professional quickly?
The 116117 service arranges appointments with psychotherapists. According to the Verbraucherzentrale, the number is reachable 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there is also an online service and an app. For the psychotherapy consultation, the maximum waiting time between the call and the appointment is four weeks. The guide Arranging psychotherapy through the 116117 service explains how the referral works in detail.
What happens in the psychotherapy consultation?
The psychotherapy consultation serves to assess and clarify which path suits your situation. According to the German Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung), adults are entitled to six psychotherapy consultations of 25 minutes each per case of illness. Conversations can last 25 or 50 minutes. The consultation is therefore an orderly starting point before any treatment is decided. More on this step is in Psychotherapy consultation: what it is and how to book it.
When should you act immediately?
If you are in an acute crisis, want to harm yourself or no longer feel safe, speak to a trusted person straight away and contact the emergency services. The Telefonseelsorge is available for conversations around the clock even in such moments. According to the German federal government, the numbers 0800 1110111 and 0800 1110222 are free of charge. You do not need to judge how serious it is first. One call is enough to talk to a person.
Frequently asked questions
Does an online test replace a diagnosis?
No. A test can indicate whether a conversation makes sense, but it cannot do more. The assessment is made by a professional who also considers other causes, such as physical illnesses or the effects of medication. Treat the result as a reason to talk to someone, not as a finding.
Who is the first point of contact?
This can be your GP practice, a psychotherapy consultation or the psychological counselling of your university. More important than choosing the perfect route is taking a first step. In acute distress, the Telefonseelsorge is an option for talking first without an appointment.
Do I need a referral?
According to the Verbraucherzentrale, no referral is needed for the psychotherapy consultation. For acute treatment that is needed quickly, the same source describes a specific form with an urgency code. Your practice or the 116117 service can tell you which documents apply to your case.
Can the Telefonseelsorge also be reached by chat or email?
The German federal government lists contact by email and chat alongside the telephone. Availability outside the phone line can change, so check the current page of the service before you decide.
Can I overcome depression without therapy?
There is no general answer. Courses vary greatly, and an assessment by a professional is the basis for any further decision. Waiting often costs time that is scarce during studies anyway. That is why it makes sense to seek a conversation early.
What to do now
- Talk to someone you trust about what you have noticed for weeks.
- Book an appointment with your GP practice or call 116117 to look for a psychotherapy consultation.
- Use the psychological counselling of your university if you also need support with your studies.
- Contact the Telefonseelsorge if you cannot cope in an acute moment.
Related guides
- Student Mental Health: How to Stay Stable
- Finding a psychotherapist: search, waiting time and first appointment
- Mental health at university: where to find help
- Private Health Insurance and Psychotherapy: Costs
Sources:
Federal Government of Germany: Hotlines for help and crisis (Telefonseelsorge, archived page without date)
Verbraucherzentrale: Appointment with a specialist within 4 weeks, how to use the 116 117 number (status 01.10.2024, German)
Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung: Psychotherapy, questions and answers (undated, German)
TelefonSeelsorge Germany, telephone (status 2 November 2026, German)
116117.de, questions and answers (status 2 November 2026, German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
