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Nature talks to five researchers about the stresses of a hyper-competitive environment, and what needs to change.
More than 150 scientists contacted Nature with their personal stories following coverage of an international survey showing evidence of a mental-health crisis in graduate education (T M. Evans et al. Nature Biotechnol. 36, 282-284; 2018). To kick off a series on mental health in academia, we talked to five people on the front lines of science who were willing to share their insights and discuss how changes to the culture might help.
Next week, we will profile four scientists who have experienced severe depression and its career consequences. And the week after that, we'll examine health in labs, and ask what kinds of lessons can be learnt from other sectors.
ROBBIE HABLE
Network for health
PhD student in engineering at the University of Kansas in Lawrence
I was hospitalized for depression in 2017 - and there I learnt the importance of having a support network. It makes your struggles a little bit easier if you have a community. I've reached out to people on campus, but I also found a community thanks to the Cheeky Scientist Association (CSA), a group based in Liberty Lake, Washington, that was created by careers consultant Isaiah Hankel to provide advice and support to researchers worldwide. The CSA posts a lot of success stories, and reminds its members of the value of a PhD. It's been a big help and a huge source of comfort.
I see a therapist weekly. When I walk in, I'm always in a great mood. My therapist validates my emotions and reminds me that I'm mostly struggling against a flawed system, not with a personality flaw. Their continuous encouragement has helped me to focus on finishing my dissertation and keeping my head in the game.
Graduate students are suffering, and they need help. We have fantastic mental-health services on this campus, but a lot of students are hesitant to use them. Some are worried about costs, but they might be surprised. My weekly sessions on campus, for example, are 100% covered by student insurance. Likewise, some students might not want to raise concerns about their adviser or their department out of fear ofretaliation. I've been warned not...