For the first time in 2020-2021, the FIRE doctoral school has organized a Workshop dedicated to ”Well-being and health during the PhD“. Two essential aspects in the life of a young researcher that are often not discussed enough within the academic world*. Here's an overview of what happened, and how it will evolve and expand over the coming academic years.
This two-day workshop was structured around a series of presentations, followed by the same group of a dozen PhD students at different stages of their thesis. Free discussion, sympathetic listening and mutual benevolence between participants were the keys to fruitful interactions.
From impostor syndrome to communication, a wide range of topics covered
Among the most memorable moments, Jeanne Boisselier, on behalf of the association Doctopus, addressed in depth the impostor syndrome with participants. Becoming aware of this, for oneself and for others, is the first essential step to overcoming it. Indeed, this self-perception of being less competent than what others think of you, of feeling like an impostor despite objective proof of success, is widespread among doctoral students.
As one participant put it, seeing “how people I admire have taken on the same challenges as me was very encouraging”. Wendy Ingram, from the international NGO DragonFly Mental Health, has clearly demonstrated this with a video in which accomplished scientists express the doubts and even mental health problems they have had to battle. Breaking the stigma was one of the most important messages to remember.
Wendy's speech also focused on the’active listening as an introduction to difficult discussions. This part of communication, which is crucial to maintaining quality interpersonal relations (with a thesis supervisor, collaborator, laboratory colleague...) was also addressed by Pascale Haag. Pascale Haag, who holds a doctorate in psychology, wrote her thesis on the study of doctoral careers from the angle of stress, health and supervisory relationships. She gave concrete examples of assertive communication, A way of expressing one's point of view or idea in an understandable and straightforward way, while respecting the interlocutor.
On the road to a new edition
This first session was unanimously appreciated and deemed very useful. The participants encouraged the doctoral teaching team to “recommend this course for the first year of doctoral studies”, so that they would be prepared right from the start.
Based on feedback from participants and suggestions from those who have not yet taken part, many ideas are now being raised on how to extend this cycle of interventions! Finding a better work-life balance, identifying when professional help is needed and who to turn to, considering physical health alongside mental health, knowing how to react to a harmful or toxic work environment... There are many topics to explore, some with the support of CRI's PsyChic club.
A doctorate is an exciting, stimulating and enriching scientific and human experience, which can also be emotionally challenging. We are convinced that it is our role to provide the best possible support to doctoral students, so that they experience their thesis in a positive way.
*despite some very worrying figures: around a third of PhD students have symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Source : Nature 575, 403-406 Nature 575, 403-406 (2019)
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To find out more about the FIRE doctoral school, please consult our website.
