So much mental distress in academia would be reduced if we taught how and why things work. A few I've spotted today - why your email isn't being answered, when to email a prof, why your paper was rejected, or how to recruit people into a study. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter

If you know how things work or how to do stuff then you can note if things aren't personal, if you could do better, or if things are really unfair (and when/where/how to seek help). Without information expectations are raised, anxieties run high, and confidence plummets.

If we don't explain how to do the basic stuff in academic work we can't be surprised or annoyed if others don't know what to do. A lot of conversations about how awful academia is lack a wider understanding what's going on (some if it is still awful, but not all of it's personal)

If we don't answer questions people will ask elsewhere. Often on here - setting a tone for conversations about academia that's panicked,uncertain,sad. This can amplify the unhelpful idea that suffering is an academic badge of honour and worsen pre-existing #mentalhealth problems

Research and studying IS challenging and can be stressful. That can be alleviated with instruction and assistance. If we don't explain anything, people fret and can't progress. Next thing we know, all the questions are being asked, making solvable problems into dramas then crises

That sets the tone further so PhDs/postdocs/ECRs believe that not knowing and having to find out yourself, all the while repeating how tough this all is, is the correct way to experience academia. As they gain seniority they pass this pattern on.They don't explain anything either

Social media amplifies this. Conversations about how to solve the (badly/untaught mysteries of academic life) used to happen in cafes,pubs,PhD common rooms. Now they understandably churn out daily on social media where you might get an answer, but the underlying issue isn't fixed

Does that mean you shouldn't ask if you need help? No, you should always ask. But it may be reassuring if you see endless messages about how hard and how toxic academia is to note that there are problems, but you're also seeing amplified panic alongside everyday questions here.

TL;DR
It's okay not to know.
It isn't your fault if you weren't taught crucial information.
You can ask your university and search online to find answers.
If you find useful information and resources - pass it on!
If you're very stressed, switch off social media, ask for help.