Our academic work doesn’t take place in some detached space, unpermeated by other aspects of our lives; part of being an effective researcher is taking care of the whole self. Here we focus our support and guidance around three core areas: mindfulness, money and debt, and Vicarious Trauma..
If you are struggling on a personal level, do please seek support and help. For all students and staff, the university counselling service has a wealth of free online information on a variety of topics, from academic life, mental health, and relationships, please see the link on the right. For in-person support, for DPhil students, your supervisor, Director of Graduate Studies, college advisor or college Senior Tutor would all be good ports of call. The University Counselling Service is available to all students, confidential, and, contrary to the prevailing urban myth, almost all walk-in enquiries have an initial one-to-one appointment within a few days. If you are a member of research staff, please consider talking to your line manager, or the Occupational Health Service, link to the latter on the right.
If you are supporting someone else who is struggling, you also need to take care of yourself. If your friend or colleague is implying – or actively talking about – suicide, please seek support from your welfare network, and you might like to look at the guidance and resources of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.