Can Students with Depression Perform Well Academically? Insights and Advice from Mental Health Experts | Safe and Sound

Have you ever felt tired all the time, lost motivation to study, even though you used to be a good student? Many young people are falling into that state without knowing that they may be facing depression. So can depressed students study well? Let's listen to the analysis and advice from psychological experts, to understand the problem and find a direction for yourself or your loved ones.

Ngo Thi Sang | Master of Educational Psychology – Applied mental health care Safe and Sound

Institute of Medical Technology Applications

1. Depression in students, a problem still underestimated!

In a stressful school environment, depression among students is no longer a rare phenomenon, and is even becoming an alarming problem in universities and colleges. The pressure of studying for a long time, the feeling of loneliness when living far from family, the expectations of relatives, competition with friends, worries about the future career - all can accumulate and make young people fall into a state of physical and mental exhaustion.

Psychologists say that it is worrying that many people still do not really understand depression. They often think that this is just a temporary sad phase, or simply a weakness in personality. But in fact, depression is a serious psychological disorder, directly affecting the emotions, thoughts and behavior of the sufferer.

People with depression may feel empty, lose interest in everything, experience chronic fatigue, have difficulty concentrating, and have a marked decrease in academic performance. Some students even experience sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, or negative thoughts about themselves. In more severe cases, people may think about harming themselves or wanting to disappear from this world as a way to escape the pain.

Students are under pressure because of studying.

Despite this, many students still try to "pretend to be okay", continue to go to school, do homework, take exams, but deep inside, they are struggling every day with the darkness of emotional disorders. Many even blame themselves for being "lazy" or "lacking willpower" when they cannot complete their study tasks as before, instead of realizing that it is a clear manifestation of depression that requires psychological intervention.

According to psychologists, the silence, concealment and lack of awareness of depression makes this condition easily overlooked, ignored or diagnosed late. And this is even more dangerous when the patient does not receive timely support, leading to a serious decline in both mental health and academic performance.

It's time we got clear: student depression is a real problem that needs attention, understanding and proper support – not something to "get over alone".

2. Can depressed students study well?

The answer is: Yes. But it doesn't come from pushing yourself or trying to push yourself beyond your limits, it comes from understanding your mental state, making appropriate adjustments, and getting the right support.

Depression is a mental health issue that significantly affects your ability to concentrate, remember, maintain energy, and feel positive. Many students report feeling “foggy” and unable to absorb lectures despite trying to sit through the entire class. Some people feel exhausted even before they start studying. This can leave you feeling confused and thinking you are “useless” or “not good enough to study.”

The truth is, however, that depression doesn’t mean you can’t study well. It just means you need a different learning method that suits your current emotional state. When you’re depressed, demanding the same amount of studying as before, or comparing yourself to others, will only make things worse.

According to psychologists, depressed students should apply the following learning principles:

Within your capacity: Study in short periods of time that are appropriate to your daily energy level, without setting goals that are too high.
Stability: Create a habit of studying at a certain time of day, helping the brain get used to it and reduce anxiety.
Be compassionate with yourself: Know how to listen to your body and mind, and don't blame yourself when you lose focus or need a break.

“Studying well” in the context of depression should not be measured by grades alone, but should be understood as studying in a state of psychological safety, without forcing yourself and gradually recovering sustainable learning capacity. An effective study session when you can read 3-5 pages of material in peace, or complete a small assignment without feeling exhausted, that is also good studying.

Psychologists advise that you should not be afraid to adjust your study goals or ask for a reduction in your course load if you feel overwhelmed. Taking a break does not mean you are going backwards, but rather allows you to continue going further in a healthier state.

3. Five Effective Study Strategies for Depressed Students

3.1 Reduce your workload to avoid burnout

When you are mentally exhausted, studying too much can quickly make you feel tired and lose energy. Allow yourself to reduce the subjects, divide the goals into smaller ones and focus on the core.

Tips:

Study in small sections (1 topic or 1 short chapter/time)
Aim for “good enough” rather than “excellent”
Please postpone the deadline if it is really overloaded (and have a medical certificate if needed)

3.2 Build a fixed, easy-to-follow study schedule

Many depressed students feel lost and disoriented due to psychological instability. Having a simple, repetitive schedule every day helps you maintain a routine and feel more in control of your life.

Suggest:

Wake up at the same time every day, study at the “least tiring” times
Use the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of study – 5 minutes of rest
Start with easy things to build momentum

3.3 Study with a support person or small group

Depression often leads to isolation, but loneliness can make it worse. A supportive classmate or small study group can be a valuable motivator.

Note:

Choose study partners who don't judge you.
No need to study much, just "having someone around" also helps increase concentration

Study with friends

3.4 Prioritize emotions before results

If you’re extremely tired, psychologists advise against forcing yourself to study right away. Take a few minutes to check in with your emotions: are you sad, anxious, empty, or exhausted? Dealing with your emotions before studying will help you learn more effectively.

How to take care of your mind right away:

Write your feelings down on paper
Meditate for 5 minutes or listen to soft music
Practice deep breathing 4-4-4 (inhale for 4 seconds – hold for 4 seconds – exhale for 4 seconds)

3.5 Accept imperfection and ask for help when needed

Being a good student doesn’t mean studying all the time. If you’ve tried and still can’t concentrate, don’t be afraid to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy, counseling, or medication (if needed) can help you regain your mental health and get back to studying on a sustainable basis.

Signs you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist immediately:

Chronic insomnia, poor appetite
Always feel guilty, empty, depressed
No longer interested in studying even though I used to love it
Have thoughts of giving up, harming yourself

If you find yourself needing help from a psychologist or psychiatrist, start by finding a reputable counseling center or service. You can choose to have face-to-face counseling or online counseling, depending on your situation and comfort level. Most importantly, be open to sharing and accepting guidance from a professional.

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See also:

Signs of depression in puberty

Listening to your child with a psychologist: Understanding teenage depression