Mental health in doctoral studies: support and solutions sought!

Mental health in doctoral studies: support and solutions sought!

In recent years, supporting doctoral students has become increasingly important, particularly with regard to mental health and individual challenges during the doctoral period. According to the University of Freiburg Doctoral advice includes basic questions that many doctoral students ask themselves: Should I do a doctorate? What is the best way to proceed? Organizational aspects such as admission procedures and enrollment are also discussed.

A central part of this advice is information about funding opportunities and scholarships as well as financing travel costs, research stays and printing costs. An ombudsman procedure is also offered to address conflicts during the doctorate. This process consists of two stages: first, doctoral candidates can contact Tinalampe and Dr. David Willmes, followed by a professorial ombudsperson. All people involved are obliged to maintain confidentiality in order to create an atmosphere of trust.

Increasing need for psychological support

The topic of mental health has received a lot of attention in the scientific community. The University of Freiburg reports that doctoral students are at high risk of psychological stress. This is due to various factors: high evaluation, performance and time pressure, temporary employment and dependence on certain people, as well as uncertain career prospects. Perfectionistic behavior, coupled with a strong identification with the doctoral project, also contributes to stress and self-doubt.

The Humboldt University offers individual advice to overcome these challenges. Consultation requests can be made confidentially via email, telephone or video chat. An open Zoom consultation hour also enables exchanges without making an appointment in advance. However, the next information events are currently cancelled. Access to information on admission and the doctoral process is available via the university's doctoral portal.

Practical tips and support options

To help doctoral candidates with psychological stress, there are numerous suggestions for getting in touch. In a guide by Coaching zones science Various formulations are suggested that make it easier for those affected to ask for help. Examples include: “I’m having problems with my mental health…” or “I’m not feeling well…”.

Building a support network that includes doctoral supervisors, postdocs and other doctoral students is recommended. Students should also seek dialogue with trade unions, advice centers and social media in order to make their concerns visible. Platforms like #ichbinHanna promote exchanges about working conditions in science and offer space for support.

If the stress becomes too great, discontinuing your doctorate remains an option that should be discussed in discussions with graduate programs or external bodies. In this context, the book "Managing your Mental Health during your PhD. A Survival Guide" by Zoë J. Ayres is recommended, which offers further help and strategies.