My biggest stressor in grad school has been a communication issue with a mentor figure, which has resulted in roadblocks in my research progress and general feelings of non-belonging in my program. On bad days, of which there were many, this translated to rumination spirals that lasted several hours and almost always ended in crying spells. Seeing a therapist in town every week has been enormously helpful, as well as going on anti-depressants. It took a couple years, but I finally feel empowered in my research, teaching, and leadership and social roles on campus again. I feel like I’m going into the new academic year stronger than ever.
