Graduate Students Six Times More Likely to be Depressed Than Others Finds Study

1. Graduate Students Six Times More Likely to be Depressed Than Others, Finds Study Graduate Students Six Times More Likely to be Depressed Than Others, Finds Study Social isolation, abstract nature of work and feeling of inadequacy, accompanied by a risky job market, can put graduate students at a higher risk for mental health disorders. A new study, published in the Nature Biotechnology in March 2018, has warned that the mental health crisis in the vulnerable class goes much deeper than thought. The researchers found that as compared to the general population, graduate students were six times more likely to be anxious and depressed. The study was based on a (conducted via e- mail and media) of graduate students. The participants were mostly Ph.D. candidates representing countries and 234 institutions. Out of those surveyed, 41 percent students were found to have moderate to severe whereas 39 percent scored in the moderate to severe depression range as compared to 6 percent of the general population in case of both the mental disorders. survey social 2,279 26 graduate anxiety, The research team from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio also discovered that transgender students (55 percent) and the gender nonconforming population (57 percent) also faced an increased risk of anxiety and depression disorders. Additionally, as compared to men, female graduate students were at a greater likelihood of suffering from mental health disorders with 43 percent scoring in the moderate to severe anxiety range and 41 percent in the moderate to severe depression range. On the contrary, 35 percent men had anxiety whereas 35 percent suffered from depression. Role of key variables in causing mental issues The research also examined the role of key variables such as gender, trainee-adviser relationships and perceived work-life balance in deteriorating mental health. When asked whether the students enjoyed a good work-life balance, out of those who experienced www.sovmentalhealth.com

2. moderate to severe anxiety, 56 percent did not agree; whereas out of those students who experienced depression, 55 percent did not support the view. The long working hours created barriers to enjoying a healthy balance between work and personal life. The results highlighted the need for a good work-life balance to improve the outcomes. Additionally, when asked whether they were receiving real mentorship by their principal investigator (PI) or an adviser, half of the graduate students experiencing anxiety and depression denied, indicating that the mentors had no impact on emotional well-being of the students. Furthermore, more than 50 percent experiencing anxiety or depression denied that their PI/advisor was an asset to their career and didn’t feel valued by their mentor. As per the researchers, it was sufficient to conclude that a positive and supportive mentoring relationship between the graduate students and their PI/advisors was closely linked to lesser levels of anxiety and depression. According to the authors, despite an increased discussion on the topic concerning mental health issues in the graduate population, there remains a dire need to resolve the present understanding of such concerns. Some of the intervention strategies suggested by them included the need for adequate career and professional development programs, enhanced access to mental health support services and resources at graduate level, change in the academic culture as well as faculty education on the impact of mental health on graduate students. The study demonstrated the need for additional research to examine mental health crisis in the target population. Evidence-based care for depression A leading behavioral health care treatment provider, Sovereign Mental Health Services offers top-notch treatment for a variety of mental health disorders including depression and anxiety. Our team of well-trained doctors, therapists and supporting staff is dedicated to provide the highest level of care and treatment to all those who come to us for help. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach in offering individualized and evidence-based recovery plans tailor-made to suit the needs. Our depression treatment centersinCalifornia are equipped with all the resources to provide the best possible treatment comprising medication, psychotherapies and experiential therapies. For more information on our programs or to get connected to our depression rehab centers in California, call our 24/7 helpline (866) 396-0064 and speak to an admission specialist. www.sovmentalhealth.com