Mental health is a spectrum that we all go back and forth on, just like physical health. Most people fluctuate between stress, burnout, and diagnosable conditions – like depression or anxiety – depending on what is happening in our lives, both within academia and outside it. Talking to people about mental health challenges – be your peers, supervisor/s, friends, and family – can feel particularly overwhelming. However, having these difficult discussions can be beneficial in the long run.
When discussing your mental health and wellbeing, planning is key! It is important to know and rehearse what you are comfortable disclosing to your supervisor/s. The best approach can often be a direct one – wherein you share only relevant information.
Self-Reflection – Consider what you’re experiencing and what the impact is on both your research and general life. Think through what caused your symptoms if they aren’t always present. Was it research related; something in your personal life; working conditions; etc.?
Consider the context and available resources – Has your supervisor talked about their own mental health or shared other personal challenges? Have they previously asked/discussed mental health and wellbeing? This level of authenticity builds trust and can be telling – it can help you decide how much to disclose to your supervisor/s. It might be useful to think through the resources or support that would be helpful to you – whether they are resources provided by the University; Doctoral College; or your supervisor/s.
Explore your comfort level – How much are you comfortable sharing? How much do you actually need to share to achieve your goal?
Start the conversation – Once you’ve decided to share your experience, set up a time to talk one-to-one in private. Budget more time than you think you’ll need so that the conversation isn’t cut short. Be clear about the impact your mental health challenges are having on your research and general life. As much as possible, come with suggestions for how your supervisor/s or wider department can help you. Always feel free to suggest co-creating a solution with your supervisor/s – the responsibility shouldn’t be on you to have all the answers.
Overall, be direct and rehearse what you are going to say ahead of time; and have some suggestions for how your supervisor/s can help you. Remember that mental health and wellbeing discussions are not one-way conversations – the sole responsibility for solutions isn’t on you.