Written by: Boluwatife Ogunniyi
Introduction
The journey through the field of neuroscience is both exciting and challenging. From unraveling the complexities of the human brain to staying at the forefront of research, women in neuroscience are making incredible strides.
However, this remarkable journey often comes with its own set of mental health challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the world of mental health care for women in neuroscience, offering relatable and encouraging insights to help navigate this roller-coaster ride.
The Glamour of Science
Picture this: you’re in a lab coat, peering through a microscope, discovering things no one has ever seen before. That’s the glamour of science, right? Well, it is, but it’s not all sparkly lab coats and eureka moments. In the quest for knowledge, we often forget the toll it takes on our mental
health.
Mental Health Challenges
- The Impostor Syndrome: As women in a predominantly male-dominated field, we often battle the impostor syndrome. We question our accomplishments, feeling like we don’t belong. But remember, even the greatest minds have had doubts.
- The Pressure Cooker: Deadlines, grant applications, and research challenges can turn life into a pressure cooker. Take a deep breath; you got this.
- Work-Life Balance: Striking a balance between career and personal life can feel like an impossible juggling act. It’s okay to occasionally drop a ball, it doesn’t mean you’re failing.
The Power of Support
You’re not alone in this journey. In neuroscience, collaboration is key. The support of colleagues, mentors, and friends can be a great lifeline to latch on. Sharing struggles, seeking advice, and embracing the wisdom of those who have walked this path before you can be a great relief. Remember, even the greatest scientists had mentors who guided them.
Mental Health Toolkit
Now, let’s unpack the mental health toolkit for women in Neuroscience. These are strategies and practices that can help maintain our emotional well-being towards a healthy life.
- Self Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness. Acknowledge your achievements and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Take a few minutes each day to meditate or practice mindfulness. It’s like hitting the reset button for the brain.
- Physical Activity: Exercise is not just good for your body; it’s a powerful mood booster. Whether it’s a few stretches, running, or dancing, find an activity that makes you happy.
- Healthy Eating: Research shows that the best brain foods are the same ones that protect your heart and blood vessels, including the following: Green, leafy vegetables, Fatty fish, Berries, Tea and coffee, Walnuts,etc.
- Seek Professional Help: There’s no shame in asking for help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide the tools to overcome challenges.
Finding Humor in the Lab
Amidst all the stress and hard work, let’s not forget to find humor in the lab. We’ve all had experiments go horribly wrong, and sometimes, we just have to laugh it off. Science, after all, is all about learning from failure.
Create a ‘Science Fail’ journal, documenting your epic experiments gone wrong. It’ll be a great source of laughter for you in the future, that’s on a lighter mode.
Breaking Stereotypes
Women in neuroscience are trailblazers, shattering stereotypes left and right. Our journey is as unique as our fingerprints. Learning to embrace our individuality and using it as a source of empowerment is a game changer.
Showing the world that we can be a scientist and so much more. How about a scientist who loves baking, a scientist who’s into fashion, or a scientist who’s passionate about the rights of women and children in society. Your interests and passions are what makes you extraordinary
Imposter Syndrome: Kryptonite of Success
The impostor syndrome is a silent killer of self-esteem. It’s that nagging feeling that makes one feel that the achievements you’ve worked hard on are undeserved. But guess what? You do, we do! And here’s a secret: even the most accomplished neuroscientists have faced this demon at some point.
Imagine self-doubt as a pesky African-mosquito buzzing around your head.
Give it a comical name, like “Doubting Fear” It’s difficult to let fear’s buzzing bother you, isn’t it?
Burnout: The Balancing Act
Burnout is the unwelcome guest that overstays its welcome. It creeps in when women have overworked and are underappreciated. But we can show it the door by striking a balance.
The Power of ‘No’: Learn to say no when you’re overwhelmed. Your mental health is more important than taking on too many projects especially when it is failing.
Personal Care Habits: Design your self-care routine, whether it’s a spa day, a good book, prayer time, hangout with friends or a walk in nature. Treat yourself like the queen that you are.
Collaborative Power
In the world of neuroscience, collaboration is a superpower. By working together, we amplify our strengths and minimize our weaknesses. We must learn to see fellow scientists as allies and not competitors.
Create a Support Network: Form a support network of friends and colleagues. Share your challenges, offer advice, and be a shoulder to lean on when needed.
Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can guide you through the maze of academia. They’ve walked the path and can light the way.
Celebrate Small Wins
In the fast-paced world of neuroscience, we often overlook our small victories. But every successful experiment, every grant, and every publication is a step forward. Celebrating these wins will fuel our journey in not relenting or giving up.
Create a ‘Success Jar’: Whenever something positive happens, write it down on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. On tough days, pull out a slip and relish your accomplishments.
Conclusion
The journey of women in neuroscience is like an intricate experiment, filled with twists and turns. Mental health is one of the most crucial assets on this journey.
Please, remember to be kind to yourself, laugh at your failures, and find strength in the fellowship of our peers. You are a force to be reckoned with, and the world of science is better with you in it. As we venture deeper into the complexities of the brain, we must take our mental health seriously. Taking care of it, nurturing it, and watching as it propels us to greater heights in the field of neuroscience. Our dream is a universe waiting to be explored, and our well-being is the rocket that will take us there as professionals.
