The Toxic Mix During Your PhD
Mental Health During Your PhD: The Toxic Mix
A study by the University of California, Berkeley, found nearly half of postgraduate students met criteria to classify them as depressed.1
This poster explores the common stressors that PhD students may be exposed to during their PhD.
Imposter Syndrome
Most prevalent in women and minority groups, feelings of not ‘deserving’ to be on your PhD despite having earned it are rife.
First Time Failing
Students undertaking a PhD have often never experienced failure, having done well in previous studies.
Presenteeism
Maintaining a work/life balance can be difficult with the academic culture of overwork.
Tough Relationships
Supervisor/student relationships be it an absent supervisor, or overbearing, can be particularly tough to manage.
No More Tick Boxes
Transitioning from taught courses to research can be difficult, particularly given the open-ended nature of research.
Financial Concerns
Money worries can lead to increased stress. Waiting long time periods to receive for example, conference reimbursement can exacerbate the issue.
Competitive Landscape
Competition not collaboration is often fostered. Given no two PhDs are the same comparing your PhD to someone else’s can be deflating.
Papers Please
Focus on research output can lead to feelings of not being ‘good enough’ if you do not have n publications.
Isolation/Guilt
Writing a thesis can be isolating. This can also be coupled with feelings of guilt when taking breaks.
Culture of Acceptance
In academia, there is a culture of acceptance that mental health issues are part of the journey. This needs to change.
Self Harming? Suicidal Thoughts? Need help?
- CALL CAPS at 1-919-966-3658 (24/7)
- National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)