Science challenges our way of thinking: it pushes boundaries, fuels innovation, and keeps us curious. However, this usually comes at a cost, especially when we neglect our worries and push ourselves beyond healthy limits. An increasing number of evidence shows a mental-health crisis across the scientific community. The issues aren’t individual weaknesses, they’re systemic, such as constant competitive pressure on the workfloor and workplace dynamics.
That’s why at CENL, we decided to support the mental well-being of our CENLers in our latest Workshop. We invited Vassia Sarantopoulou, a licensed psychologist, for an engaging workshop on mental health.
During the workshop, more than 30 CENLers learnt to understand stress and recognise their own stress indicators, explore how stress can affect their daily life and career, and navigate difficult thoughts. Moreover, they came back home with a set of tools to aid in managing stress more effectively, setting healthier boundaries, and developing practical tools to prioritise well-being, fairness, and support.
We believe that scientists can thrive without burning out. The first step is creating a culture where we feel safe to talk openly about mental health.
This event was organized by CENL’s Diversity, Gender and Equity committee.