What is depression?
To manage everyday life, we all need energy and inner drive: to get up, take care of responsibilities, connect with others, and make decisions. Depressive moods or depression can reduce this drive strongly—or in some cases block it almost completely—so that even small tasks may feel impossible.
Depression is a common health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and lives their daily life. It is more than feeling sad for a short time. While everyone can experience stress or sadness, depression lasts longer and can make even simple things like getting out of bed, talking to others, or making decisions feel very difficult.
It is important to know that depression is not a weakness and not your fault. It is a real condition that affects both the mind and the body, and many people experience it at some point in their lives.
Current figures indicate that nearly 9.5 million people in Germany are affected by depression (about 12.5% of the population). Since refugees often face more difficult living conditions and multiple stress factors, the proportion of people affected can be even higher. Studies suggest that up to 25% of refugees may experience depression, and up to 40% show at least symptoms of depression. These numbers highlight that you are not alone and that support is important and justified.
How does depression show?
Depression does not look the same for everyone, but there are some common signs. These can develop slowly and may not always be easy to notice at first.
Some people experience:
- A constant feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Low energy or ongoing tiredness
- Sleep problems or changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
In addition, some people may feel worthless, guilty, or disconnected from others. In more serious situations, a person may have thoughts about not wanting to live anymore. These feelings are important signals that support is needed.
Depression can also be felt in the body. Some people mainly experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, back pain, stomach problems, or a feeling of pressure in the chest, without a clear medical cause. This is also a common way that depression can appear.
Depression can be connected to inner emotional states (for example feeling numb, overwhelmed, anxious, or hopeless). At the same time, it is often linked to current stress and burdens such as conflict, uncertainty, financial pressure, or loneliness. It can also be connected to burdensome or painful experiences in the past, including severe stress, loss, or traumatic events. Often, depression develops through a combination of several factors.
Why can depression develop after migration?
For people who have migrated or been forced to leave their home country, depression can be linked to many life experiences. Often, it is not just one cause, but a combination of challenges over time.
A person may have experienced loss, separation from family, or difficult and unsafe situations before or during their journey. After arriving in Germany, new stresses can appear uncertainty about the future, language difficulties, loneliness, or challenges with housing and work.
All of this can create a heavy emotional burden. Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted in such situations is a natural human response.
Understanding mental health and stigma
In some cultures, depression and other mental health problems are not openly discussed. People may see them as a personal weakness, something to be ashamed of, or something that should be handled alone.
Because of this, many people do not seek help, even when they are suffering.
In Germany, mental health is understood as an important part of overall health just like physical health. Seeking support is normal and accepted. Talking to a counselor or doctor is a way of taking care of yourself, not a sign of weakness.
How can psychosocial support help?
Psychosocial support focuses on both emotional well-being and daily life challenges. It offers a safe space where you can talk about your experiences and feelings without being judged.
Psychosocial counseling can also be empowering: it can help you recognize your strengths, understand your needs, and take step-by-step action again. With the right support, people can become more able to participate actively in daily life, rebuild routines and social connections, and move toward their personal goals.
Support may include:
- Talking to a trained counselor or therapist
- Learning ways to manage stress and strong emotions
- Getting help with practical issues and services
- Finding ways to reconnect with others and reduce isolation
The goal is not to “fix” you, but to support you in understanding what you are going through and to help you regain a sense of control and stability.
What can support recovery?
Recovery from depression takes time, and it often happens step by step. There is no single solution, but small actions can help support your well-being.
It can make a difference to:
- Keep a simple daily routine, even if it feels difficult
- Stay in contact with people you trust
- Spend time outside or in fresh air
- Allow yourself to rest without feeling guilty
These steps may feel small, but over time they can support healing.
When should you seek help?
If these feelings last for several weeks, become stronger, or begin to affect your daily life, it is important to seek support. This is especially true if you feel overwhelmed or have thoughts about harming yourself.
In Germany, mental health and counseling services are available, and you have the right to receive care.
You are not alone
Many people experience depression, especially after major life changes such as migration or displacement. With the right support, it is possible to feel better again.
At Albatros Beratungszentrum Brandenburg, we support refugees and asylum seekers with psychosocial and healthcare counseling. You can book an appointment with a counselor who speaks your mother tongue
