You should be proactive about your health and wellness. Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars are significantly more likely than the general population to report symptoms of depression and related anxiety. In addition to the academic progression, work-life balance, financial concerns, professional relationships (advisor, mentee), and social interactions, we know your position presents unique challenges. Below are preventive actions you can take as a starting point for building your plan. Explore other CSU resources to build a plan that works for you.
Wellness and well-being planning is part of the Personal Development Competence in the Competencies Road Map.
Graduate Well-Being Canvas Course
This self-paced well-being course was developed by experts to help you navigate challenges by introducing strategies to improve mental health and well-being. You can tailor the course to your wellness needs by selecting from a variety of modules.
- Growth Mindset and Self-Efficacy
- Aligning Expectations
- Conflict Resolution
- Maintaining Effective Communication
- Space for Resilience
- Space from Stress
- Space for Positive Body Image
- Space for Anxiety
- Space for Sleep
- Space from Depression
Requisite modules for every participant include Growth Mindset and Self-Efficacy. The course is not graded, but a certificate upon completion is provided.
Consider Practicing Mindfulness
- You may visit the Center for Mindfulness or Spiritual Care.
- Practice setting reasonable and doable work goals for yourself. Use the Ram Individual Development Plan.
Find Community Support
- Connect with others who can relate to the challenges of graduate school. Below are some lists and groups you may want to check out.
- Cultural and Resource Centers
- Graduate Student Council
- Postdoctoral Association (CSU PASS)
- Graduate student affinity groups
- CSU student groups (search for “Graduate Students”)
- Discover volunteer opportunities on and off campus
Use Planning Tools
- You@CSU supports graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
- Explore their vast resources, including wellness goal setting/planning tools
- They have advice for programs you can implement by yourself.
Review our Medical and Counseling Resources page for more information.