Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Mental health: Under a cloud

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nj7419-299a.html?WT.ec_id=NATURE-2012-10-11

Depression is rife among graduate students and postdocs. Universities are working to get them the help they need.

She developed a crippling fear of presenting her research. “Doing a PhD is such a personal thing, one that you've invested so much time in, that any criticism can feel like a direct reflection of yourself,” says Lauren.

But she did something that many postgraduates do not: she got help. With counselling and medication, Lauren — a pseudonym that she uses on a blog detailing her experience (see go.nature.com/4ta9fo) — is entering the final year of her PhD. Hers is one of more than 50 stories highlighted on the website Students Against Depression, funded by the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust in Thatcham, UK. “The website aims to raise awareness that depression isn't a personal failing or weakness; it's a serious condition that requires treatment,” says psychologist Denise Meyer, the website's project manager.

“Getting help,” she says, “is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

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