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Yesterday I was reading a blog post on the “unspoken dark side” of getting a Ph.D. In the article, the author shared his struggle during his post-graduate studies and described how academia is a hotspot for depression and poor mental health (based on scientific surveys).
I fully agree that getting a Ph.D. (or a Master) can carry you down a road filled with tests and pitfalls. Indeed, the possible issues during post-graduate studies are numerous:
- STRESS
- Unsupportive/absent adviser
- Minimal/absent social interactions at work
- Uncertainty about the future
- Daily/frequent/obnoxious (self-)doubt
- Roller-coaster productivity/motivation
- Academic experience falling short of expectations
- MORE STRESS
I did see people not enjoying post-graduate studies and I did experiment first hand some of the above. Indeed, my jaw blocked shut because I processed my stress grinding my teeth in my sleep. Pursuing post-graduate studies is definitely a test of how you address being stressed. However, I don’t think we should “accept depression as part of the course” and I disagree with saying that there is a psychological cost to a Ph.D. You might as well just say there is a psychological cost to life; depression, isolation or struggle is not reserved to highly trained brainy isolated Ph.D. candidates. You might lose someone close to you; fall ill to some terrible sickness; or just stop seeing the light in a perfectly balanced life. Such is the faith of humans, the brain equilibrium is probably our greatest Achilles’ heel.
I can’t speak for all domains, but I thought we were forgetting a massive thing here:
Having the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. degree is a great PRIVILEGE one should acknowledge and celebrate.
What should you celebrate?
- Work in a field or on a subject that you chose
- Realize yourself through your work
- Keep learning
- Make your own schedule
- Be in contact with curious, educated, informed human beings
- Have the opportunity to travel and meet people around the world
- Have an easy access to further training
- Make a contribution to society, as tinny as it might be
- Be paid for all the above (at least in Biology)
As I enter the last part of my post-graduate training, I realize the luck (which I also earned through hard work and discipline #earnednotgiven) I had in the last three years and how I enjoyed it. I also plan to keep remembering this every day until the defense, through good and bad days.
Here is what I am grateful for:
- A great adviser and co-adviser that complement each other well.
- An outstanding support system, both at home and with my family and friends.
- A research center that provides priceless professional services.
- Healthy finances.
- Loving what I do: learning, research, analyses, coding, teaching, EVERYTHING!
- Being disciplined with a flexible schedule.
- Sleeping easily, always.
You’re starting a Ph.D.? Here are some advices.
Yes, sometimes I shiver contemplating all the uncertainty my future holds. But then I remember the vastness of opportunity tomorrow offers me and I fill electrified and thrilled.
Do you?
Dear Isabelle,
I am having a hard time surviving my PhD in plant science and your kind words got me in the right place. Thanks, and good luck.
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Thanks for your comment Cesar! Good luck with your Ph.D.! I keep reminding myself to breathe deeply, divide and conquer, and drink a beer in good company once in a while 😉
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Dear Isabelle, I will just like to ask where did you get the cartoon from? 🙂
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I took it from another’s text that didn’t cite the source. I couldn’t find the source at that time and still can’t. If you know it enlighten me! 😉
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Haha. I drew that actually 🙂
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Could I get your contact info so I can add it to the figure and point out to the author? That would be great! 😉
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Thats so sweet of you! Thank you for the thought 🙂 My email is vinaquero@gmail.com and my instagram is vinaquero 🙂
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Done! 😉
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🙂 ❤❤
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