Broadcast: Events
Looking after yourself during your research degree
Monday 23 March 9:00 until 11:00
Online
Speaker: Dr Sophie Valeix and Oisin Quin
Part of the series: Researcher Development Programme
Doing a research degree poses some unique challenges that can affect your mental health and wellbeing. In this workshop, we will explore these challenges and the factors that influence wellbeing and mental health during the research degree (like isolation or the relation with supervisors) in a supportive environment.
We will talk about how to understand wellbeing and mental health issues within people’s own situations/experiences and therefore explore how various self-care strategies can be tailored to people’s specific needs, not with a ‘one-size fits all’ approach. We will discuss when to seek help and how to navigate support services at Sussex and beyond.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to reflect on their own wellbeing needs and develop a personalised self-care plan that supports their mental health during their research degree.
Target audience
Postgraduate researchers at any stage and from any discipline.
About the facilitators
Oisín Mac Quin (they/them), Student Advisor at BSMS and Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counsellor at Brighton Therapy Collective, and Dr Sophie Valeix, a Sussex PhD alum with extensive experience researching PGR mental health, Mental Health First aider, and bringing her lived experience to these sessions.
Click here to book your place via Eventbrite
By: Alexander Aghajanian
Last updated: Friday, 20 February 2026

