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Quantum Universe
Cluster of ExcellenceQuantum Universe

Photo: UHH/Michael Grefe

Quantum Universe

Mental Health in Academia

Scientists are often expected to perform at a high level and are under pressure to deliver innovative and high-quality research results, while competing for research funding and long-term prospects. This can lead to stress, anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses.

While everyone can be affected, people from marginalised groups are particularly at risk of developing mental health problems. At the same time, health and mental health problems are often stigmatised in academia, making those affected reluctant to talk openly about their experiences or seek help.

As a member or guest at our cluster of excellence, please do not hesitate to seek support with mental health problems or the challenges you face while pusuing a Master, PhD or Postdoc phase at Quantum Universe.

 

Mental health support and information

Below we have compiled some information on mental health and support offered within Quantum Universe, the University of Hamburg and DESY. In cases of emergency, phone 112 or seek help at a nearby hospital.

Mental health support within Quantum Universe

  • Please get in touch with us if you are in need of support or would like to get more information on mental health support structures:

Coordination Quantum Universe Research School (QURS)

Nafiseh Sajjadi,
certified by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
nafiseh.sajjadi@uni-hamburg.de

Diversity Officer at Quantum Universe

 Henriette Ullmann
henriette.ullmann@uni-hamburg.de

Psychological counselling at UHH/DESY and emergency care

  • confidential counselling by the Center for Health and Workplace Cooperation (BGZ) of University of Hamburg

    • Individual and group counselling, e.g. PhD group in English
    • Languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Arabic, in person or online
    • Open counselling on Mondays from 11:00 to 12:00h without prior registration: phone 040 42838 -8916
Center for Health and Workplace Cooperation (BGZ)

beratungszentrumgesundheit.uhh@uni-hamburg.de
Conflict prevention and resolution

Sonja Nielbock
sonja.nielbock@uni-hamburg.de

Personal counseling, addiction prevention and cases of sexual discrimination

 tba
Health Management

Birgitta Büsch
birgitta.buesch@uni-hamburg.de

  • In EMERGENCY CASES call 112 or seek help at your nearest hospital.

Workshops on Mental Health

24.10.2024, 10:00h - 11:00h "Facing uncertainty"
Vicent Botella Soler, PhD
26.11.2024, 9:30h - 10:30h

"Strenghts and Values"
Desiree Dickerson, PhD
05.12.2024, 9:30h - 10:30h "Isolation and Belonging"
Desiree Dickerson, PhD

  • Furthermore, we plan a workshop on Mental Health on-site at the Campus Bahrenfeld on 27th February 2025 with Emma Geoffrey, PhD (save the date).

Information and resources

  • "Managing your Mental Health during your PhD" by Zoë J. Ayres
    A "survival guide" for current and prospective PhD students. The author discusses tips for managing mental health, imposter feelings, prioritising workload, and self-care strategies. She also explores the PhD student-supervisor relationship, the pressure to publish, and deep systemic problems in academia, such as racism, bullying or harassment.
    https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-14194-2
  • "Why has nobody told me this before?" by Dr. Julie Smith
    Drawing on years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Julie Smith (@drjuliesmith) provides expert advice on how to stay resilient, manage anxiety, deal with criticism, cope with depression, find motivation, or learn to forgive yourself. Her book tackles everyday issues in bite-sized, easy-to-digest entries which make it easy to quickly find specific information and guidance.
    https://www.harpercollins.com/products/why-has-nobody-told-me-this-before-julie-smith?variant=39395371647010