PGR: PhD Chat - Mental Health

PhD Chat: (Re)Connection Series

Being a PhD researcher is a hugely rewarding journey in many ways, but can also involve some challenges, especially when faced with a pandemic.

Join your Westmere Scholars (fellow PGRs working with the University Graduate School to support the community) for a series of four online ‘PhD Chat’ sessions themed around (Re)Connection.

• PhD Chat: Let’s Catch Up! – Friday 11th June @ noon
• PhD Chat: Mental Health – Friday 18th June @ noon
• PhD Chat: Finding Your Tribe – Friday 25th June @ noon
• PhD Chat: Creative Visualisation – Friday 2nd July @ noon

PhD Chat is an informal and supportive environment where we’ll have a chat about our individual experiences and concerns, share wisdom, advice, and tips with each other. Sessions are open to all PhD students at the University of Birmingham (if the topic is relevant to you, other PGRs, such as MRes students, are also welcome to join the chat!).

Discussion topic: Mental Health

The PhD journey can be arduous at times: facing new challenges every other day, a lot of superimposed tasks and several nights without sleep. All these can affect our work-life balance; moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional layer of challenges associated with working from home: besides not being able to connect easily with PGR community, one may have also lost track of that so desired work-life balance, which is crucial for a good mental health.

As such, your Westmere Scholars want to dedicate a PhD Chat session to mental health. New and returning PGRs alike are welcome to come for an informal session in which we will discuss the challenges associated with work-life balance and strategies found by fellow PGRs to maintain a good mental health during your PhD, sharing tips which may help you coping throughout this journey.

The event will include:

• Introductions
• A short introduction to the topic
• Informal chat and sharing of experiences
• Opportunity to meet other postgraduate researchers

Some questions to get you started:

• Have you faced challenges regarding work-life balance through your PhD?
• What strategies have you employed to keep a good mental health? Do you have any tips to share?
• Are you aware of the wellbeing resources at the University?