Studying and feelings of sadness

Excessive worrying, feelings of prolonged sadness, helplessness and doubt can affect your physical and cognitive functioning in various ways. Which can result in poor academic performance. Don't keep it to yourself, talk to someone you trust or seek professional help. In addition to seeking professional help, there are also things you can do independently.

• Consult the online Student Well-being Platform( on CANVAS). This is an internal UT information site with videos on topics related to studying and maintaining your mental health. It provides practical tips, useful links and exercises. The platform offers a module on depression. In addition to information, you will find useful self-help tools on how to deal with the situation you find yourself in.
• Check out the courses and training offered that can support your mental health. Make an appointment with the student psychologist for an intake in which an assessment is made of your symptoms and what help you need.
  Also consult the well-being webpage 'Are you okay'.
• Information for Higher Education students with support needs: I'm studying and have depression, an overview of problem situations with tips on what you can do.

Please note:
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact 113 suicide prevention through their website or by calling 113 or 0800-0113 (free of charge).

As a student with personal circumstances, you can rely on the various support services at UT for study guidance and necessary facilities. They will work with you to identify and address any obstacles and minimize study delays caused by your circumstances.

• Talk to your programme's study adviser if feelings of sadness and negative thoughts are hindering your academic performance. The study adviser can provide advice on course selection, setting up a modified study plan if your circumstances have caused study delays, or allowing room for therapeutic treatment. The study adviser can also assist in organizing necessary accommodations within your programme.
• The student psychologist provides support for mental health issues. During an intake, the student psychologist can advise on appropriate next steps if you are studying with feelings of sadness or depression. If your sad or hopeless feelings no longer correspond to reality and are negatively affecting your daily life, make an appointment with your general practitioner or the student psychologist.
• The student counsellor can provide independent advice and financial support arrangements in case of study delays caused by your (mental) health problems.
• If you wish to utilize facilities and arrangements, consult the step-by-step plan. A medical statement (or proof) of your personal circumstances is required to access facilities and arrangements.

For more information on external psychological support, see the Studying with Mental Health Issues page.

The provided tools are not intended to replace professional psychological or medical assistance, but to supplement regular 'consultation room assistance' from a qualified (general) practitioner or psychologist. Talking about your depressive feelings or thoughts with someone you trust can be a relief. In case of psychological problems, contact the student psychologist or your GP.

• Self help resources from Students against depression.
• Alles Oké supportlijn, they offer support and a sympathetic ear. You can chat or call for free and anonymously with a trained volunteer.

• Students Against Depression
  A website by students, for students. They are offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
• Beyond Blue
  An Australian organization, which focuses on providing information and tools & techniques to cope with depressed feelings and depression. You can also read about the experience of others and join an online community.

• De keerzijde van de studententijd (Dutch YouTube - The downside of student life)
  'Study time, depression time', a 6-part documentary on depression among students. 
• I had a black dog, his name was depression (You-Tube)
  Animation World Health Organization.