From Surviving to Thriving: Mental Health and Well-Being in Graduate School

Graduate school can be a time of growth, achievement, and discovery, but it can also bring significant stress and emotional challenges. This interactive seminar will help graduate students better understand the impact of stress on mental health and academic performance. Participants will explore common graduate student experiences such as perfectionism, imposter syndrome, burnout, and work-life imbalance while learning practical techniques for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. The presentation will highlight evidence-based self-care strategies, discuss ways to recognize when additional support may be needed, and provide an overview of services and resources available through the University of Illinois Counseling Center. Students will leave with tools to enhance resilience, maintain wellness, and navigate graduate school more effectively.