Read on Twitter
For my final day (because in this post-PhD phase I’ve got my weekends back ;)) I wanted to reflect on my experience of #DoctoralOTUK study. For those that follow me (and my blog - see bio), you will know I have a pretty complex mental health history. (Thread) @DoctoralOTUK
PhDs definitely have a reputation of being quite challenging, particularly in terms of mental health. I was certainly quite anxious about this side of it when I started. There were periods of low confidence (hello, impostor syndrome 
) and stress (submission/viva during Covid)
) and stress (submission/viva during Covid)
...but, on the whole, my mental health has been pretty good throughout the whole thing. I deliberately took the decision to do all the things they tell you not to - I worked in quite an isolated way because I knew I was better not comparing my progress to my peers #DoctoralOTUK
Although I was distant from the academic world, I had amazing supervisors who allowed me to do it ‘my way’ and an amazing mentor, @AbigailBarkham- someone who understood the demands of being a clinical academic and Abby’s support definitely carried me through. #DoctoralOTUK
I made space for occupational balance - I got my dog, Merlin, about a year in and haven’t had a sick day since I got him. He has a special skill of demanding I stop working around 5pm.
I also spent lots of time rowing and weightlifting. #DoctoralOTUK
I also spent lots of time rowing and weightlifting. #DoctoralOTUK
So, my message is: there’s no correct way to complete your #DoctoralOTUK study. Do what works for you. My PhD was slower than some, but I enjoyed the whole thing, still love research and feel a much stronger and more confident person at the end. 
