r/PhDStress

Just a couple of months ago I was 100% sure that 2026 will be my last year. I was depressed (am still) and suicidal (am not currently). I was sure I was going to kms and I already had a plan.

I've only recently started my PhD after being depressed for months, an year maybe. Moved to a different country for it. One of things I thought of before deciding to take this position on was "if you don't do this it is the end." This PhD opportunity wasn't the best and I know that I'll have academic barriers to face but this was the only thing that helped me see a future for myself.

Its not the best PhD opportunity. And I know I could do much better (better department, better scholarship) but I was desperate to take this role on to have a purpose.

I just wanted to put this out here because I have no one to talk to about this and just needed to say that I've been dealing with a lot.

I’ve basically never taken a real break from academia. I went straight from university to my Master’s, then immediately into my PhD, and literally started my first postdoc in another country the same day I defended my PhD.
During grad school, I kept telling myself, “Once I finish, I’ll finally rest.” That never happened, and honestly, I’m starting to think that just doesn’t happen in this career.
During my first postdoc, I developed severe daytime sleepiness. I could sleep and still feel exhausted. I struggled to stay awake during meetings, presentations, and experiments, sometimes splashing water on my face in the lab just to stay focused.
Eventually, I saw a doctor. I was first prescribed atomoxetine and later Adderall when the sleepiness became severe again. Adderall helped me function and stay awake, although I was initially afraid to take it because of its potential to be habit-forming.
I recently moved across the country for another postdoc and, once again, started almost immediately. I’ve now run out of my medication after the move, and the underlying exhaustion and sleepiness are still there.
I honestly don’t know whether this is burnout after years of never stopping, an actual sleep/medical problem, or both. Part of me feels like I desperately need a real break, but I just started this postdoc and I’m afraid that asking my new PI for time off so soon would look bad.
Has anyone here (especially postdocs or PIs) experienced something similar? Would you prioritize a proper sleep evaluation, taking some real time off, talking to your PI, or something else?
For PIs specifically: would you see it as a red flag if a new postdoc told you they were exhausted after transitioning directly from their previous position and needed some time to recover?
I’m not looking for medication advice. I’m trying to figure out how to make this sustainable.

I will finish my master's degree at the age of 24. Plenty of my university friends applies for a PhD right after their master's degree but I can't do the same. Due to certain circumstances I have to work for 3 years after graduation. Is it okay to start a PhD at the age of 27? Isn't it too late? Might I be rejected because of a 3-year gap?
Incidentally, I'm not an EU citizen but I look for PhD programs. Would a three-year non-European work gap count against me?
I would be very grateful for any respond or advice on this post

Hey everyone!

​I’m an undergraduate student currently doing an internship, and I’ve been assigned to present a research article in front of my PI, postdocs, and graduate scholars during lab meeting.

​Since this is my first time presenting to a full research group, I really want to give it my best shot. I’d love to get advice from those who have done this or sit on the receiving end of these presentations:

​What are the key things I should keep in mind/remind myself before and during the presentation?

​What are common mistakes undergrads make during journal club / paper presentations?

​How can AI tools actually help in preparing for this without being a crutch or giving wrong information?

​Any tips on figure walkthroughs, handling Q&A, or structuring the slides would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!