Defining the Challenges

When you’re struggling in a class, balancing too many commitments, or feeling anxious about your research, it’s important to know that you are not alone.

Filtered by

Coping with mental health concerns beyond the typical stresses of student life

  • Academic/Professional Performance

    Overcoming setbacks and improving performance in classes and research

  • Balance

    Managing time, energy, and competing priorities

  • Career/Paths

    Finding a fulfilling academic or career path

  • COVID

    Reflecting on the effects of a global pandemic on life as a student

  • Stress & Mental Health

    Coping with mental health concerns beyond the typical stresses of student life

  • Transition to MIT

    Adjusting to a new cultural and academic context

  • All Challenges

Audio Story

Dealing with Anxiety

My mind is not at all calm. And I am riddled with thoughts, and anxiety, and stress. And they extend into this very unhealthy thought spiral.”

Meet Siyoung,

Undergraduate student

Audio Story

Reckoning with Burnout

I knew that being a student at MIT was not supposed to be easy, especially given everything that I put on my plate. But what I was feeling seemed wildly out of proportion, completely different from what I thought of as normal college stresses.”

Meet Teresa,

Undergraduate student

Video Story

Reckoning with Depression

This isn’t me because I am not depressed.”

Meet Jonathon,

Undergraduate Student

Audio Story

Sinking into Emptiness

And it was this feeling of being suspended in nothing, just a complete absence of sound, and motivation, and realness that had struck me when I was sitting my bed. And I realized that this was something I needed to grapple with and I couldn't just ignore anymore.”

Meet Emily,

Undergraduate student

Video Story

Taking a Medical Leave

I decided to take some time off from MIT. I went home to my parents house and realized that I wanted to make some changes in my life.”

Meet Daniel,

Undergraduate Student