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Mental health for doctoral researchers and postdocs

The Graduate Academy offers competent and reliable support during your doctoral and postdoctoral phases with qualification and counselling services. Please also contact us in cases of conflict or mental stress – we are here to help you in confidence.

enlarge the image: Decorative image illustrating the topic of mental health: a woman with a rain cloud above her head is holding a scale in her hand. On one side of the scale is a battery with low energy, and on the other side is a laptop.
For many, the doctoral phase is an intense period that comes with demands and stress, which can lead to an increased risk of mental illness. Illustration: Alexandra Vögtle

In the event of an acute crisis, please contact the following:

Mental health for doctoral students and postdocs at Leipzig University

For many, the doctoral phase is an intense period that comes with a variety of demands and stresses, which can lead to an increased risk of mental illness. The most important thing in these crisis situations is that we do not feel alone. Talking to someone about it can be very helpful in stabilising your mental state. This can help you develop solutions to overcome the crisis and take the next steps forward.

Typical stress factors include:

  • Stress and high pressure to perform due to publication requirements, deadlines and supervision situations.
  • Risk of burnout due to permanent overwork without sufficient rest.
  • Imposter syndrome – the feeling of not being competent enough or of ‘just being lucky’
  • Social isolation due to individual work structures or little interaction within the team
  • Anxiety and depressive moods, often exacerbated by uncertainty and excessive demands
  • Career uncertainty and lack of predictability regarding one's professional future
  • Precarious employment and financial situation, especially after completing a doctoraten

Information & support

Here you will find information on support services, specific contact persons and suggestions for preventive measures.

At the Graduate Academy, you have access to staff members who have completed training as mental health first responders and can provide support as a first point of contact in cases of psychological distress. Please feel free to contact Viola Gründemann or Karoline Marx.

  • Psychosocial counselling for employees of Leipzig University: Leipzig University's occupational health management service offers employees free and confidential psychosocial counselling in cooperation with the Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at Leipzig University Hospital.
    Consultation hours: Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; appointments: psb-mitarbeitende(at)uni-leipzig.de
  • Psychosocial counselling from the Studentenwerk Leipzig: The Psychosocial Counselling service by the Studentenwerk is realized in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of the Leipzig University, represented by the head of the Clinic and Policlinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy of the Leipzig University Hospital. This ensures high counselling standards as well as the integration of the latest therapeutic developments.
    Psychosocial counselling by the Studentenwerk Leipzig
  • Nightline Leipzig: Nightline is a student helpline offering advice and support with extended opening hours. From exam stress to heartbreak, you can anonymously share your worries over the phone. On the other end of the line is a trained person who will actively listen to you and, if necessary, refer you to an appropriate counselling service.
    Nightline Leipzig
  • Graduate Academy Leipzig: The Graduate Academy offers confidential counselling sessions on mental health and conflict resolution. To arrange a counselling session, please contact Dr. Kornelia Ehrlich directly.
  • Conciliators at Leipzig University: The conciliators offer doctoral candidates, postdocs, supervisors and entire working groups a low-threshold and confidential point of contact and support in conflicts. If you need support in a conflict situation, you can contact the mediators directly by telephone or email. 

  • Medical on-call service (116 117): The service provided by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVS) is available around the clock and arranges appointments for initial consultations as part of the search for outpatient psychotherapy. You can search for doctors and psychotherapists in Saxony on the KVS website.
  • Leipzig Social Psychiatric Service (0341 99990001 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.): The social psychiatric service offers psychosocial counselling, care and support to help stabilise mentally ill citizens in their private lives.
  • Psychological counselling at the Poliklinik Leipzig (0341 58142471): The Leipzig Polyclinic offers anonymous, free counselling in German, English and, by arrangement, in other languages. Psychosocial consultations take place during open consultation hours on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or by appointment on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • How Can You Recognize Signs of Burnout?

Signs of burnout can appear on a physical, emotional, and mental level. These may include:

  • Persistent exhaustion, sleep disturbances, frequent headaches, or stomach problems
  • Loss of motivation, frustration, irritability, or indifference
  • Feeling overwhelmed, reduced performance, difficulty concentrating
  • Withdrawing from social contacts or feeling unable to cope

It is important to take these signals seriously and address them early.

  • What Can You Do If You Feel You Have No Support?

There are several resources that can help:

  • Psychological counseling at your university
  • General practitioners or psychotherapy
  • Telephone helplines & crisis services
  • Mental health contacts within the university or workplace
  • In case of acute emergencies: call 112 or contact psychiatric emergency services

It is completely normal and appropriate to seek support – you do not have to face this alone.

  • What Helps in Everyday Life?

Small, consistent steps in daily life can make a big difference in reducing stress and preventing burnout.

  • Maintaining a structured daily routine and taking regular breaks
  • Engaging in regular physical activity, walks, or exercise
  • Maintaining social contacts and exchanging with friends or colleagues
  • Setting realistic goals and clarifying priorities
  • Saying “no” in time and seeking help before things become overwhelming

Remember: it is not about doing everything perfectly, but about creating balance and giving yourself the space to recharge.

  • What If You Are Unable to Work?

Mental health conditions are treatable. If you notice that you need a break, taking sick leave is legitimate. Speak to your supervisors or support services early, without sharing more personal details than necessary. This allows you to recover without pressure or guilt.

  • Is Seeking Help a Sign of “Weakness”?

No. Asking for support is responsible and a sign of self-care. Mental health is just as important for a healthy work life as physical health.

  • How can I support others?

Listen, be there, encourage help – without pressure. You don't have to solve other people's problems, but you can encourage them, show understanding and pass on information.

 

Workshops & events

Discover workshops and events that strengthen your mental health and offer space for exchange and self-care.

A healthy doctorate – workshops offered by the Graduate Academy Leipzig

The Graduate Academy supports doctoral researchers and postdocs in taking care of themselves and strengthening their mental health. We offer workshops and events on topics such as stress management, self-organisation and resilience – for more balance and clarity in your everyday life.

Skills development programme offered by the Graduate Academy

Mental Health Awareness Days – Focus on mental health in December

At the end of each year, the Graduate Academy invites members to Mental Health Awareness Days – a series of events featuring workshops, presentations and discussion formats on the topic of mental health in academia. Doctoral candidates and postdocs receive practical tips for achieving greater balance, self-care and healthy structures in their everyday academic lives.

Self-Care in Doctoral Research – Workshop Series

The series on selfcare in doctoral research highlights aspects of everyday research life that can be perceived as oppressive, frightening or conflict-loaded. The three hours format offers input, impulses and space to jointly develop strategies for doing a doctorate productively and mindfully at the same time.

The Leipzig University's Occupational Preventive Health Management Scheme supports employees and students in actively promoting their physical and mental health. The aim is to sustainably strengthen well-being, balance and personal health literacy. A diverse range of services focusing on exercise, nutrition, relaxation and stress management invites participants to gain new inspiration for a healthy lifestyle.

Occupational Preventive Health Management scheme at the Leipzig University

 

The Leipzig University's Occupational Preventive Health Management Scheme supports employees and students in actively promoting their physical and mental health. The aim is to sustainably strengthen well-being, balance and personal health literacy. A diverse range of services focusing on exercise, nutrition, relaxation and stress management invites participants to gain new inspiration for a healthy lifestyle.

Occupational Preventive Health Management scheme at the Leipzig University

 

Practical tips for coping with stress

We provide you with an overview of different methods that can be used to fill your personal resilience toolbox.

  1. Open the window and breathe in some fresh air.
  2. Breathe out slowly and audibly. Stretch.
  3. Encourage yourself: ‘I can do this,’ ‘Everything will be fine.’
  4. Write down everything that is weighing on you. This will help clear your mind. It is incredibly relieving.
  5. Take a break from work – take some time off or take a longer break.
  6. Go for a run or a walk.
  7. Call someone you trust, a friend, to talk about your feelings.

Soforthilfe bei innerem Druck (Kuhn, D., 2014)

The concept of self-compassion (Neff: 2011) includes:

  • Kindness towards oneself (especially in times of adversity),
  • a sense of connection with all people,
  • a mindful attitude.
  • "Those who are a good friend to themselves treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would show to a friend. A friendly and supportive attitude toward oneself and others fosters secure and positive relationships." (Blickhan, 2014, own translation)

People's everyday lives are mainly shaped by 10 positive emotions:

  • Joy
  • Gratitude
  • Cheerfulness and serenity
  • Interest
  • Hope
  • Pride
  • Inspiration
  • Pleasure
  • Awe
  • Love

Take about 10 minutes in the evening to review the day, remember these positive emotions and reflect on the good moments. Then write down three positive things and ask yourself the following questions:

  • What was positive today?
  • Why was it positive?
  • How did I contribute to making this experience enjoyable?

Der positive Tagesrückblick (Seligman, M. et a., 2005)

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