The importance of mental health: supporting well-being during the postdoc trajectory.
Life as a postdoctoral researcher can be exciting and rewarding: it offers chances to become an independent researcher and really develop your own research line and niche. But being a postdoc unfortunately also comes with challenges that can negatively affect your mental health. Due to the lack of postdocs in the job classification system (UFO), it is not known exactly how many postdocs in the Netherlands suffer from mental health problems. However, surveys have indicated that more than ⅓ of the postdocs is at risk of developing serious mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The underlying causes for this are related to the high work pressure, publication/grant pressure, lack of academic career prospects/support, lack of permanent contracts and work-life imbalance.
At PostdocNL we recognize the importance of mental health and are committed to fostering a supportive community where every researcher feels valued and heard.
How we at PostdocNL support your well-being
- Building a caring community
We aim to connect and unite postdocs across the Netherlands. Sharing stories and advice helps reduce isolation and creates a sense of belonging. - Access to resources and guidance
We provide practical information on managing stress, work-life balance, and where to find professional support when needed. - Events focused on mental health
Join workshops, webinars, and discussion groups that promote awareness, resilience, and healthy work environments.
Advocating for mental health in academia
PostdocNL actively engages with universities and policymakers to improve mental health support systems and create respectful, sustainable workplaces for postdocs. Together, we push for policies that recognize mental well-being as a vital part of academic success.
Please feel free to contact me at wellbeing@postdocnl.com if there are any topics regarding mental health that you would like to discuss.
