Low mood and depression are common among doctoral students. They can be caused by many different things, like your genetics/biology, life events and change.  

resource is journal article

This systematic review considers prevalence rates in doctoral students from a number of countries.

The NHS has some useful information about low mood and offers some tips on what can help when you are feeling down.

Resource is a booklet

The University of Exeter (acting through CEDAR; Psychology Department) has developed a workbook which takes an evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach to tackling low mood. You can use it to suit your needs - it includes tips on setting goals, understanding your low mood, planning activities and staying well. You can download the resource as an individual. It is not to be reproduced.

If you do experience low mood it is important to talk to others about how you are feeling, especially if you are feeling like your life is not worth living or that you want to hurt yourself. Your university will have professional services to help you – you can find the contact details for your university's support services by clicking on the icon.

telephone number

Your GP can help and there are people who can support you. If you are based in the UK, chat with Samaritans any time on this number: 116 123 or visit their website here.