Your mental health and wellbeing

The Sussex Researcher School (SRS) is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) at Sussex.

Finding innovative ways of realising this commitment will be a key priority for the SRS over the next few years. We are looking to support a number of projects, which will complement the exceptional mental health and wellbeing research already being conducted at Sussex.

Current projects

Studying for a doctorate can be an exciting, but sometimes challenging experience. It's important to remember that there are lots of opportunities to access help and advice if you feel that your wellbeing is being affected by any challenges that you encounter during your PGR journey.

Below you'll find details of the support available at Sussex as well as a number of online resources.

Support at Sussex

Student Centre

Offering one to one consultations, the Student Centre provides general student information, advice and guidance on a wide range of issues including personal and welfare concerns, money advice, and academic issues. Download the Information for Research Students leaflet [PDF 284.07KB].

Visit the Student Centre website

University Therapeutic Services

The University Therapeutic Servicess offers a range of free and confidential services available to all students at Sussex including individual therapy, group therapy, workshops, and an online self-help application.

Visit the University Therapeutic Services website

Student Support Unit

The Student Support Unit is the University's team of specialist advisors who work with students who may need support due to a long-term condition. The unit can be accessed by students with specific learning difficulties, long-term health and mental health conditions, and Autistic Spectrum conditions.

Visit the Student Support Unit website

Employee Assistance Programme - for PGRss who teach or are employed in any capacity by the University

PGRs who receive payment for teaching or are employed by the University in any capacity can acccess the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - a 24-hour, 365 days a year telephone helpline that can provide counselling and specialist advice on a range of matters. The service is confidential and you can self-refer.

Find out more

University of Sussex Students' Union (USSU)

USSU wants to make sure that postgraduate students get the most out of their experience at Sussex. Their Advice and Representation Centre offers free, independent and confidential information, advice and support on a range of academic and non-academic issues.

Visit the University of Sussex Students' Union (USSU) website

Health and Wellbeing

These webpages offer a wide range of health and wellbeing resources for all Sussex students, including advice and guidance around physical health, mental and emotional health, eating well and keeping active, sexual health, alcohol and drugs, and safety.

Visit the Health and Wellbeing website

Workshops and Events

Keep an eye on our Researcher Development Programme event listing to find out about wellbeing workshops and events for PGRs at Sussex.

Online resources

Suggested self-care strategies for PGRs

List of self-care strategies in three categories: professional, psychiosocial, and physical self-care.

The PhD Survival Video

Produced by Angel Productions, The PhD Survival Video discusses how the pressure of a PhD can be made manageable, and offers practical advice for dealing with common problems encountered during postgraduate research.

Postgraduate Wellbeing Prezi

A guide to staying happy and healthy in your postgraduate studies

Created by School of Education and Social Work PGR Emily Danvers, this Prezi offers strategies for success when it comes to managing your postgraduate research.

The wellbeing tips included in the Prezi have been adapted from research into postgrauate students and wellbeing carried out at the University of Brighton: Morris, C. and Wisker, G. (2011) Troublesome Encounters: Strategies for managing the wellbeing of Postgraduate Education students during their learning processes.

View the Postgraduate Wellbeing Prezi.

Resources from Vitae

Vitae offer a range of booklets providing practical advice and tips tailored to researchers on topics chosen to support professional development.

Vitae (2008) 'The Balanced Researcher' booklet thumbnail

For researcher wellbeing, we recommend The Balanced Researcher: Strategies for Busy Researchers. You can view the booklet on the Vitae website by registering with your Sussex e-mail address.

Sussex Researcher School