Today’s #ResearchTip is just because you work or study in a uni,doesn’t mean you’ll find friendships, relationships, family, or peers easy. None of us are immune to problems. Don’t put off seeking help because you’re afraid of not seeming perfect #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter
IME there’s something about academia that makes us feel everyone working or studying there is somehow either immune to problems or will be very good at solving friendship, relationship or family problems. Whereas the reality is personal problems are very common.
Academics are often poor at comprehension and communication (I know, right! It’s literally our job and yet we’re not great at it). That can make things difficult. Plus there’s pressure to not bring our personal lives to work. Ignoring how academia causes or worsens our problems
We separate out our teaching so personal and social factors are sidelined and the impact on our lives ignored. Pastoral care, if it exists, may not equip us to support colleagues and students in crisis. We may also feel afraid or ashamed to seek help when our life’s falling apart
Despite our academic knowledge and skills, sourcing and giving reliable and accessible advice is often beyond us. Meaning all kinds of terrible suggestions are made to others in need of care. You may be expert in your field but as likely as anyone to give really bad life advice
It’s good to acknowledge personal issues are commonplace and being smart doesn’t make us immune. To normalise the problems we all have and seeking help for them. To ensure we know where to signpost to reliable help. And to admit when we don’t know what to do.
If you or those you’re teaching or supporting is in need of support with friendships, relationships or family problems there is lots of practical advice in Being Well In Academia to bring you comfort routledge.com/Being-Well-in-…
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