Dealing with Stress and Anxiety as an Early Career Researcher

Описание: Recorded at the Alzheimer's Society ECR Retreat which was held on the 8th / 9th July 2025 at the Mercure Hotel in Northampton.

Dr Ehsan Ezzatpour Ghadim, Research Fellow, and Dr Frane Vusio, Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology, both from the University of Warwick, lead this session exploring how stress and anxiety affect those at the early stages of a research career. Drawing on both clinical experience and research evidence, they unpack the emotional and psychological impact of working in academia, where uncertainty, isolation, and high expectations are common.

The discussion covers:

• Typical signs of stress and anxiety in research roles
• How academic culture and career structures contribute to pressure
• The importance of good supervision, communication, and work-life boundaries
• Techniques for managing day-to-day stress and building emotional resilience
• When and how to seek support, and what practical help is available
This session aims to make space for a realistic conversation about mental health in academic life and to offer strategies that are practical, sustainable, and grounded in lived experience.
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Dr Ehsan Ezzatpour Ghadim is a Research Fellow at the University of Warwick, with expertise in mental health and wellbeing in academic and research settings. His work explores psychological resilience, stress, and workplace challenges among researchers.

Dr Frane Vusio is a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology, also based at the University of Warwick. He has a clinical background in supporting mental health, and his research and practice focus on improving emotional wellbeing through evidence-based psychological approaches.
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The Alzheimer's Society ECR Retreat is a networking opportunity and skills development event, offering an opportunity to meet fellow ECRs, gain peer-to-peer advice and learn practical skills that will aid you in your career progression. Find out more about Alzheimer's Society and their work to support researchers:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementi...
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Dementia Researcher works alongside events organisers to share their work. If you're organising a dementia research event and would like us to record or share your talks, to get them open access and to reach a wider audience, get in touch:

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.a...