Imagine pursuing an academic degree was more like running a marathon, not a sprint. The secret? Regular breaks and a well-nurtured work-life balance. In our candid dialogue with Sandra Naumann, a doctoral candidate in psychology and co-founder of Scholar Minds, we delve into mental health in academia, exposing its unique challenges. Sandra unpacks her research findings that reveal unsettlingly high rates of anxiety and depression among PhD candidates, demonstrating how their mental health is intertwined with their academic journey.

As we navigate through these turbulent waters, we're not just pointing out flaws but hunting for solutions. Sandra emphasises the importance of slow and steady progress, reinforcing the necessity of pauses and a healthier equilibrium between work and life. We also discuss the efforts of Scholar Minds in assisting early career researchers via workshops, conferences, and encouraging frequent mental health check-ins. Tune in to comprehend the nuances of academic mental health and to pick up practical strategies for a healthier, more balanced academic journey.

Useful links:
Sandra Naumann's research on mental health in academia: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-26601-4
Scholar Minds initiative: https://www.scholar-minds.net/
Growing Up in Science speaker series archive: https://www.scholar-minds.net/growing-up-in-science/