Going for the Doctor:
PhD Study and Mental Health

Chantal Bourgault du Coudray
Perth Counsellor & Gestalt Psychotherapist

I well remember my excitement on being offered a scholarship to complete a PhD. Being accepted into a PhD program is a pinnacle of achievement for many students because the invitation recognizes years of hard work and excellent grades. It also offers opportunities to indulge intellectual passions and embark on rewarding career pathways.

Sadly, for at least one in three postgraduate students, enthusiasm and excitement can dissipate into feelings of anxiety, shame, lethargy, and depression. Multiple studies have demonstrated that students and particularly PhD students display higher levels of psychological distress than the general population.

There are several reasons for this state of affairs. One challenge is the nature of doctoral research, which can be isolating and lengthy, with uncertain outcomes. Another challenge is the institutional setting for the research, where various pressures can induce intense competition, stress, compromised work/life balance and even bullying or harassment. The quality of relationships with supervisors is another key factor influencing PhD students' mental health.

During the course of higher research, many students will experience:

• Uncertainty about outcomes
• Feelings of isolation
• Feelings of 'imposter syndrome' or not belonging
• Stress related to meeting performance measurement indicators
• Overwhelm
• Doubt about the personal and/or social value of their research
• Lethargy or apathy
• 'Feeling stuck' or 'writer's block'
• Relationship challenges with supervisors
• Loss of autonomy
• Feelings of inadequacy or shame
• Bullying or harassment
• Challenges of work / life balance
• Financial pressures
• A decline in physical wellbeing

Strategies for managing these difficulties include scheduling downtime, practicing assertive communication, breaking tasks down into more manageable components, fostering collegial and social support networks and attending to physical wellbeing. Seeking counselling assistance may also become an important option.

As a counsellor who has completed a PhD, supervised many PhD students, and worked as a teaching and research academic in a university for over twenty years, I have personally experienced many of the challenges listed above, and have worked alongside many students and colleagues facing similar issues. These experiences have fueled my compassion for and interest in working with individuals facing issues related to studying and working in higher education.

If you would like to talk through any of these issues, please contact Chantal Bourgault du Coudray. (Note that I offer special student rates.)

Chantal Bourgault du Coudray
Counsellor and Gestalt Psychotherapist

Email: enquiries@applecrosscounselling.com.au

Applecross Counselling & Psychotherapy
Attadale Business Centre
14b, 550 Canning Hwy
Attadale WA 6153
www.applecrosscounselling.com.au

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