(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Robert S. Colter, University of Wyoming

(THE CONVERSATION) Depression is on the rise. A study conducted by the World Health Organization found an increase of 20 percent in depression cases within just a decade.

I work on a university campus. One might expect such a place to feel vibrant and energetic, but lately there seems to be more fatigue and malaise. Even for me, on some days it can feel hard to face the world.

As a scholar of ancient philosophy and a practicing stoic, I have...