So one of the important pieces of grad school for me is that I've learned to deal with the new reality of my life and who I am. So I wanted to share how I've learned to adapt to all of these challenges. #1 with any mental health challenge is seeking help. #noshame
Getting help for mental health issues in #gradschool can be hard. There are so many people needing help and often just not enough resources. Wait-lists can be long on campus. Going off campus can be really expensive on small already stretched budgets.
I got counseling when possible which was vital, but also sought out other options. @UFGatorWell was a great program that isn't a mental health service, but has academic wellness coaching which helped me make strategies, make a plan, and start working.
I've also had to learn to just accept the new me. This means letting go of the overachieving person I once was, learning what the new me needs to succeed and seeking it out, and also accepting that I can't compare myself to others.
Work-life balance has been important. This means its ok if you aren't working every day/night. It means hanging out w/ friends, family & having #scientistshobbies leads to productivity. It doesn't mean you have to have everything balanced all the time. We like dressing up #nerds 
I've learned to strategically say no to put less pressure on myself, have become more comfortable with asking people for help, asked questions about what to expect (hellloooo quals!), and sought out advice and collaboration on projects (which I was too anxious to do before).
Ultimately it was my personal changes, a supportive atmosphere, and the direction of great, understanding mentors who helped me get back on my feet (thanks @dr_stofer, Martha Monroe, and Max Nickerson)! Would love to hear about how others deal with their challenges.
