The annual K2 Junior Retreat for PhD candidates, post docs and researchers were held at Alrek on 27th of April. The aim of the retreat is to connect young researchers at the institute, and the program included speed dating exercises and elevator talks. Psychologist Andreas Schei, from the UiB HR department, held a session about the ups and down during the PhD.
He shared some worrying numbers and observations on mental health problems among young researchers, indicating that 25 – 50% will qualify for a mental disorder at some point during their research, and that there is a close connection between well-being, mental disorders, and dropout. However, the good news is that you can avoid emotional overwhelm by taking good care of yourself. Social interaction and belonging are some of the best ways to boost our emotional strength to meet these challenges.
Following on Scheis´ advise: “It is harder to rebuild than to do preventive measures”, we are starting up a social committee at K2, to arrange fun get-togethers and create an arena to meet your fellows in a relaxed atmosphere. We strongly advise you to join and to build a social network together with us. We hope many of you would also like to be part of the social committee, if so please get in touch with Adrianna, e-mail: adrianna.jebrzycka@uib.no