Why PhD Students are Anxious and Depressed - Strategies to Take Care of Mental Health During a PhD

[@HollyJaneYT]

When I say my mental health is in TATTERS right now while I write up my PhD candidacy transfer research report. I’m so low, and riddled with imposter syndrome. Thank god for the deadline which is next Friday. I’m not in a good place. I clicked so fast when I got the notification. Great topic at a great time, Ciara.

[@hebael-shimy9261]

All the best Holly! You’ve got this. I’m a subscriber to your channel too and find it informative. Thanks Ciara for this great topic. I would say each one of us PhD Candidates have had a struggle with their mental health during their studies but couldn’t speak it out loud. It’s important to raise awareness about this. I second the importance of a support network of fellow PhD students but also a wider network.

[@AllGood_Thingss]

Awww sending you so much love and strength your way holly ! 🦋💗 that was really brave of you to open up, the universe really does work in mysterious ways and you were definitely meant to see this ✨ take deep breath’s and remember everything will b okay, you got this ! 💫

[@PhDandProductivity]

Best of luck holly! Some gorgeous replies here already! I'm hoping you will be feeling better after your transfer and you'll smash it I'm sure.

[@PhDandProductivity]

Thanks Heba! I was worried people would think I was fear-mongering but I'd say majority of PhD students will struggle with this at some point so I hope it will help someone!

[@jac91ify]

Current dissertator here, and I have been trying to figure out why I’ve been so depressed and feeling isolated. This video helped shed some light on my current mental health.

[@retroSTAAR]

For those struggling with their mental health doing their PhD I would just like to share my story: I am from the UK and I moved to another country to do my PhD, I was suffering with social anxiety and depression as I felt that I didn’t fit in, on top of that my supervisor told me to quit as he thought my work was not good enough even though I was trying my best and working day and night to deliver results. Anyway I just want to tell you I was in such a bad way alone in another country and decided that life should not be this way and I quit my PhD and returned to the UK. I will now be starting my PhD in the UK with a supervisor I really want to work with and doing a project I really like. Moral of the story: Please weigh out your options do what is best for you and just know that you are not alone ! Of course I’m not encouraging quitting, most of the time if the reward is worth it and you can change your situation for the better it makes sense to see it through. But if you can’t change how things are then there is nothing wrong with trying again else where, especially if it’s right at the beginning stages.

[@PhDandProductivity]

Thanks so much for sharing this story. I'm sure a lot of people will be comforted to know that someone has taken a very difficult route of quitting and restarting and that that has been the best thing for you

[@nguyenang9087]

Can you share more on the your situation and how long does it take for you to quit your first PhD ?

[@LiteraryLDawn]

Thank you so much for touching on the discrepancies around the pharmaceutical companies and the masking of mental health symptoms. This is not talked about enough, so thank you!

[@PhDandProductivity]

The book "Lost Connections" talks about that a lot - really interesting read.

[@Blah1236313]

So anxious trying to finish my PhD work!! Thesis writing was easy, but editing it to "perfection" is so hard!

[@PhDandProductivity]

Perfectionism can be a huge struggle for PhD students for sure

[@Blah1236313]

@@PhDandProductivity your videos help a lot. Thank you

[@zaza5042]

Just wanted to say hi and your content is really helping me and definitely others too😁

[@PhDandProductivity]

Hey, thanks!

[@drjessicagomezb]

Really useful video , Ciara. I’m in my final year and struggling with my MH while I try to battle my way to the end. Doing a PhD is very hard but with better support systems in place I believe the process could be a lot less challenging on our MH

[@PhDandProductivity]

Glad it was helpful! I'm sure you will get through it.

[@justauser3553]

That's why I joined the military while graduating college, made many friends and incredible experiences around the world, married my wife and had a family. In the meanwhile I did my MS part-time payed by the military, and then my PhD part time. This worked very well for me since I saw it more like an Hobby and did everything with passion. I didn't care much about criticism or if things went wrong, since I had a life, and a stable income outside of my work in accademia. This made my experience so plesant. Once I retire at 41 I will travel the world, and work as a non-resident scholar or researcher, but intellectually free, since I don't have to worry about money or social life.

[@AmitRoy-bv2qz]

I am also persuing PhD in Livestock Production Management and anxiousness, depression and worry is my daily routine...I am getting used to it because no option left...Just Praying to God to get rid of this as soon as possible...

[@LittleMissTotoro]

I have no control over my PhD. Every single thing from a conference presentation or poster needs approvement from my supervisor and is always changed down to the last detail. Even the "this should be your work" parts are being hijacked and I am not allowed to set deadlines or decide when to hand anything in.I feel absolutely useless and like I shouldn't come between my supervisor and my PhD.

[@jamestolliver7413]

Great video!

[@PhDandProductivity]

Thanks James!

[@Mary-qx2ds]

I find it difficult to stay up with my work because of my MDD. And then I end up skipping class to use that time to make up for that work. I feel guilty for doing that, and then I keep having to come up with excuses to miss class to my professor. I fear they're on to me, or upset with me for missing class. I don't feel comfortable sharing my MDD with them. Don't know if anyone else has a similar struggle, but the stigma combined with the high expectations within PhD create a very isolating environment for someone who has a disorder that most people don't really understand or respect as a "real" issue.

[@Mary-qx2ds]

I also think it would be cool to see conversations not just around developing mental health issues during PhD, but those who come into the PhD already with a mental health disorder.