Depressive disorders are among the most common mental illnesses and often lead to significant individual distress with far-reaching psychosocial consequences. For those affected, depressive disorders have a high individual significance, as this illness targets the core of well-being and quality of life and is accompanied by a high level of suffering. On the other hand, the social environment, especially the family, is often significantly affected as well. The phenomenon of affected employees is also widespread in the workplace. At the same time, stigmatization is a common life experience for those affected and their families. Against this background, the opening symposium of the Institute for Social Medicine, Rehabilitation Sciences, and Health Services Research aimed to provide current information on the topic of "Depression.".