Thrive and Survive in Your Ph.D.
In 2017, a study found out that one in three Ph.D. students is at risk of developing a mental health disorder, especially depression. There is no need to mention how many Ph.D. students feel lonely, stressed, and overwhelmed.
As a Ph.D. student, you have to learn to manage your time smartly, balance your work and life, write research proposals, conference papers, and journal papers...Also, you need to have a good relationship with your supervisor(s) to get the degree.
I wrote my dissertation in 2020, which was probably one of my worst years since I barely had any social activities due to COVID-19. Sometimes, I had no motivation to write one word by sitting in front of my desk all day long. Sometimes, I felt that I was doing something meaningless. And very often, I felt so lonely that with no one, I could share my happiness, my concerns, and my stressful life. People around me have a great life, but I am desperate, hopeless, and unsatisfied.
I am glad that I survived my Ph.D. successfully. But I should reach out more often if I had the chance to redo my Ph.D. again.
As a coach, I realize we should learn to find someone to talk to and ask for help if the situation is too difficult for us. We are never alone, and many people in the world can and are willing to help us.
You need to be brave and share your stories with someone you can trust. They may not 100% understand what you are talking about, but they are there for you to support you and make you feel better.
A problem shared is a problem halved, and a happy story shared is doubled!
