Studies of data involving Ph.D. research students suggest they are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues than regular researchers. For example, it is reported that more than half the students resort to help for anxiety and depression caused due to their Ph.D. studies. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement of providing Ph.D. researchers mental health support.
What could be the cause behind this deteriorating health condition amongst Ph.D. researchers?
Ph.D. is termed an academic foundation block for students—their drive to discover or invent backs them into choosing such careers. However, their isolation and involvement in deep research drive them to feel neglected in society and cause them to feel depressed or anxious to finish the task.
Similarly, the moment universities begin to monitor, evaluate and reduce or remove funding; these research students' publications get directly affected. The mere thought of early failure due to such vulnerabilities aggravates their mental health. Unfortunately, there is not much data available as mental health focuses more on the general public, leaving these Ph.D. researchers at the mercy of their peers.
How can mental health support be provided to Ph.D. researchers?
To provide the support, you need to determine the difference between mental health and the well-being of students in research.
Mental health is the condition of a research student’s psychological and emotional state during their research.
Well-being is the current state of being comfortable, healthy or happy and is directly relative to the environment they are researching.
Similarly, mental health and well-being within the research environment need to be understood. Mental health is often related to difficulties not caused directly due to work, such as childhood problems, family history, and other issues.
In the case of Ph.D. researcher students, there is very little evidence of effective intervention methods to support their mental health. Instead, support focuses more on stress than clinical medical conditions in general mental health.
Below are a few points how mental health training can help research students:
1. Providing mental health training to research students at an early stage of their research can help them better manage mental health issues.
2. Professional counseling services can also help alleviate Ph.D. research students' depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
3. Meetings with supervisors to discuss the work progress or issues with funding and provide some relief.
4. Peer groups where the research students can open up freely about their study, progress, or any difficulties they face professionally or personally.
Seeking professional help is very important. The counselor provides one-on-one support within a non-judgmental environment. This ensures the affected student can be at ease and open up freely about their mental health. The counselor can also provide correct guidance or medication to help the Ph.D. researcher student continue their work efficiently.
Most importantly, if you are struggling with mental health issues, you should not suppress them. Speaking up and letting your supervisors, friends, or families know what you are going through allows them to help you when you need it the most.
We request you to book an appointment with a professional counselor at the earliest to overcome the mental health problem soon.
Contact us today at +32 (0)2-226-66-61 to know more.