Anxiety in academic setup
Hi. I am in the process of applying for PhD. Writing statement of purpose gives me immense anxiety. It brings out the fear that i don't know anything, i dont probably have the right motivation as others do to go ahead in this field. Looking at peers, i feel like i am so unprepared. I never have a good plan. I understand that this process is frustrating for everyone.. but i just feel like quitting. Someone once told me to be bluntly honest about my journey so far in SOP. I liked the idea because being honest gives relief. But being honest in my case means telling about my fear and self-doubts. I reached out to some people around me. Some have already started responding annoyingly. It creates further barrier. I don't feel reaching out any further. Somehow I created the first honest draft last night.. and i now I dread to even look at it.
Is anyone here in academia, probably pursuing PhD or aspiring to do so, and faced similar stuff?
Could you provide more information on what you’re wanting to do your PhD in?
I was an online student studying information technology
and have faced many challenges in school and in life too.
In addition to that I am aspiring to hopefully get a doctorates degree in something someday. I don’t know all of the factors that come to play in this situation since situations like these are so complex so I can’t give you exact advice on what you should do. One thing I hear people mention a lot is networking with people. Go on LinkedIn and find people with similar interests as you. There’s even *** groups, sometimes *** groups, and a lot of people who post resources on Twitter. There has been times where I’ve made impulse decisions and unfortunately as humans we make mistakes like that and sometimes it can cost alot. So if you can maybe consider not trying to overwhelm yourself and take things one step at a time. Use your connections with people to help prepare yourself. If those people are not helpful, move on to the next person over and over again until you can be confident that you are prepared. Could you do some clarification on what you mean by SOP? A lot of people can be annoyed because they have no idea how you feel. Find someone who is not going to be annoyed and will offer advice. Create a strong bond with that person and maybe they’ll have people they know who can be even more helpful. I remember recently I cried and cried to all of my family and I caused them so much stress because I was stressed and they didn’t know how to help me. For important things like that it’s important to take your time. It’s an application to get into the school right? Not something for a class you’re already in right? If there’s no deadline for this just take your time and think about it, take breaks, even getting some sleep can help you have a clearer mind about it. I can be more helpful once I know more information about this situation.
for some reason it doesn’t let me say *** or ***.
fb, or dis cord.
I have anxiety and have been through the PhD experience and now supervise PhD students myself.
When I started out I knew very little and was lacking self-confidence. I find self-promotion rather uncomfortable, but it is important to focus on the positive in applications in order to get to the next stage.
I don't know what your motivation is to try for a PhD, but people do it for different reasons. Some want to stay in academia, some for training, other do it because they sing know what else to do, and some do it for status or to please family members. There isn't a right motivation, they are just different.
Being honest is generally good, but in applications and interviews there is such a things as too honest....
I’ve heard it’s called imposter syndrome. It’s just your mind tricking you because you’re anxious.
