PhD education is not designed to be a mind stressor. But, poor planning and inability of many of the students to work independently while working asiduously rather results in the mind stress, especially when deadlines for projects are not met.
Trust me, with good planning, hard work and intrinsic motivation, PhD students can sail through their education successfully.
May be, the excessive course work required by some institutions like mine, may need to be revised for more emphasis to be placed on the dissertation research.
Esteemed Khalid Mohammed Breesem
Is it really so? Sensitive persons may prefer to dig deeper into a problem and are good at doing research. However, many universities just use students as free labor staff and do not pay them or pay them badly. This is a stressor that may contribute to a poorer mental health, not the studies per se.
PhD education is not designed to be a mind stressor. But, poor planning and inability of many of the students to work independently while working asiduously rather results in the mind stress, especially when deadlines for projects are not met.
Trust me, with good planning, hard work and intrinsic motivation, PhD students can sail through their education successfully.
May be, the excessive course work required by some institutions like mine, may need to be revised for more emphasis to be placed on the dissertation research.
I am not sure if PhD is a difficult and stressful experience for students. As Dr. Dickson mentioned the key is planning of the studies.
Approximately one-third of Ph.D. students are at risk of having or developing a common psychiatric disorder like depression, a recent study reports. Although these results come from a small sample—3659 students at universities in Flanders, Belgium, 90% of whom were studying the sciences and social sciences—they are nonetheless an important addition to the growing literature about the prevalence of mental health issues in academia. One key message for scientific trainees that are struggling with these types of challenges, write co-authors Katia Levecque and Frederik Anseelof Ghent University in an email to Science Careers, is that “you are not alone.” Beyond that, the authors encourage Ph.D. students to appreciate how important it is to take care of themselves. “Mental health problems can develop into serious threats to one’s wellbeing and career, and can have detrimental consequences in the long-term,” they write. So, if you’re struggling, it’s important to “[s]eek professional help or seek help in your personal environment, even if you think it’s probably a temporary thing.”
https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2017/04/phd-students-face-significant-mental-health-challenges
Although it is a must but i dont think that the system will be changed... on the other hand, may be it is needed to be a hard challenge so by this only the elite win the battle...
Not only “ mental problems” but also several other organs besides brain are target for the intense stress of this period.
I know colleagues that developed diabetes, kidney and heart disease.
The psychossomatic theory helps in explaining these events
Msc and Phd students do not have health secure insurance and they are not considered workers. Besides that they have a limited time and a pressure to positive results.
The relationship with the advisor is in general too hierarchical and just one side is normally heard.
All this turns the system very stresseful
and needs urgent changement.
They have to be considered temporary workers with all legal protections!
The student needs to be heard not only by his advisor in case of a conflict
I would advise increased emotional support from advisors and committee members. PhD programs should be challenging, but not cruel.
Yes there is need to change the system. There is need to build supportive structure and collaborate with building networks and support structures etc.
There is no need to change the system per se. The student needs to come up with ways of managing time and stress via careful planning. PhD program is not supposed to be easy. Thus a good attitude of perseverance, support from others and dedication are needed to succeed.
Taking care of PhD students mental health is really important and changes need to be considered to enhance their psychological and emotional status.
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