Stoic Self-Regulation and Depression: Between Acceptance and Resignation

This article examines possible relations between Stoic philosophy and modern psychological concepts in the context of depressive burden. Central Stoic principles — the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable factors, reflection on one's appraisals, and orientation toward inner posture — show structural overlap with contemporary work on emotion regulation, resilience, and cognitive behavioural therapy. The focus is the question to what extent Stoic thinking can support psychological regulation processes relevant to dealing with depressive symptoms. Stoic principles are read here not as philosophical ideals of abstract self-control but as a form of reflective self-regulation under conditions of uncertainty, burden, and emotional pressure. The article develops the concept of Stoic self-regulation — the capacity to stabilise emotional burden through deliberate cognitive contextualisation, acceptance of limited control, and value-oriented action, without denying emotional reality or idealising distress. Limits are also marked. Stoicism does not replace psychotherapeutic or medical treatment. Modern misreadings that equate emotional hardness or suppression with inner strength are rejected.