Graduate students face unique challenges whether they are adjusting to the demands of their program, teaching, taking comprehensive exams, working on their research or involved in a job search. Now is the time to think about your emotional wellbeing and overall health.
Common stressors for graduate students are:
- Balancing relationship/family/school
- Difficult advisor relationship
- Anxiety related to oral exams
- Research/teaching/pressure to publish
- “Imposter Syndrome”
- Social isolation
- Immigration/visa issues
- Departmental politics
- Sense that life is “on hold”
- Disillusionment with chosen field/path
Resources that can help include:
Anonymous screenings for mental health
www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/uofcberkeley
Dealing with stress in graduate school:
www.uhs.berkeley.edu/bewell/
www.uhs.berkeley.edu/students/counseling/Articles/balance.shtml
Information on depression and what to do if you or others are depressed
(includes“Just in Case” phone app)
www.uhs.berkeley.edu/lookforthesigns/
Guide to helping a distressed undergraduate student
http://uhs.berkeley.edu/goldfolder/
Depression awareness and suicide prevention training
Brief online training available on the University Health Services website,
http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/depressiontraining/index.htm