Mental Health Matters is a light-hearted and invigorating podcast series in which PhD students Robyn and PJ (Pieter-Jan) invite other young researchers at KU Leuven to talk about their mental well-being. During each episode:

• young researchers share inspiring stories about how they stay in good mental health. You will get answers to questions like 'how do you deal with stress, isolation or anxiety?', 'how do you create a good work-life balance?' and 'how do you stay motivated during your research process?'.
• colleagues and professors at KU Leuven share their advice and experiences.

Juggling all the different tasks in your PhD can be tough. How to start when work is piling up? How to perform well when there is so much pressure? How to relax when work is always on your mind? How to make plans when the future is uncertain?

In 𝐏𝐡𝐃 𝐔𝐧𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝, ReMO members, Luisa and Lara Solms bring together PhD students and professional coaches. Every podcast episode talks about common struggles and how to overcome them.

The ReMO COST Action focuses on wellbeing and mental health within academia, a theme of strategic importance for the European Research Area. Previous research shows that low levels of wellbeing and mental health problems have a negative impact on individual, team and organizational performance. In addition, institutional context, organizational structure and culture, as well as managerial practices have significant impact on wellbeing and health of employees.

ReMO is collecting stories for a new podcast and a blog. If you would like to give your contribution, please read the following paragraph.

Are you an academic who has experienced a hard time in your work and personal life? Have you struggled with sleep deprivation, lack of motivation, anxiety or any broad symptom related to your personal and mental well-being? We are looking for individuals, at any stage of their career, any gender, research area, to share their story. We understand that talking about issues like these may be uncomfortable for you, so we will respect your right to remain anonymous, if you wish.

Sounds like you? To share your story, please fill in this form. You will be asked general information, no details needed. You may be contacted for a follow-up informal chat with our production team.

Link to form:

https://forms.gle/CmLPvEuw9cRKmcdF7

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 25th.

However, we start reviewing stories as soon as they come. So, don't wait! Should you have questions or doubts, please reach out at: remo.cost.actiongmailcom (or podcastfedericabressancom)

Link to pdf version of the call.