Phd Student Experience

Stress is a common experience for graduate students, and when it comes to pursuing a PhD, it almost becomes an integral aspect. The causes of stress among graduate students are numerous, but I’ll address them in a separate post. Let’s focus on sharing some tips for effectively managing it.

Signs of stress to look out for include:

1. Insomnia becomes a regular occurrence.
2. You often feel occupied but primarily check emails or browse the web instead of completing tasks.
3. Your appetite diminishes.
4. You become easily agitated, particularly during interactions with friends or family.
5. One or more of these indicators will begin to manifest, with the most prevalent and readily noticeable being the inability to sleep.

Here are steps to help alleviate stress:

1. If you believe that a paper deadline is the source of your stress, consider pausing your work on the paper. Remember, your well-being is more important than a publication. Plus, there are ample journals and conferences where you can submit your work at a later time.
2. If you think discussing your stress with your advisor could be beneficial, don’t hesitate to do so.
   1. If you feel your advisor may not be responsive to your stress concerns, consider an alternative approach. Draft an email explaining your stress levels and mention the possibility of needing medication, but send it to the lab mailing list. Professors are cautious about “academic harassment” allegations and are less likely to ignore your stress when it’s documented.
3. If you’re experiencing sleep disturbances or appetite loss, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional. If possible, seek care outside the university medical center (I’ll elaborate on this later).
4. Seek balance in your life by engaging in hobbies that take you away from your desk. If you’re studying abroad, invest time in making foreign friends and exploring new places. If you have a host family, make an effort to connect with them more frequently.

“Remember that there is no stress in this project!”