Student siting outside near fountain area reading a book while sitting on a bench.

Resilience and Wellbeing

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Being a graduate student can be difficult, even under the best circumstances. An important component of your success is paying attention to all aspects of yourself, including your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.  

Several studies have documented that graduate students are more than six times as likely to experience depression and anxiety as compared to the general population. Mental health is intricately tied to other health. As such, it is important for you to understand the opportunities and resources related to your wellbeing and resiliency.   

While we want you to be a successful student, scholar, teacher and/or researcher, we first want you to be a healthy and whole human being. Our graduate students actively utilize these resources, and we hope that you will too.  

Wellbeing & Resilience Activities

Three graduate students listening at a workshop.

Resilient Graduate Student Series

Navigating school, the career exploration process, research environments, and the stress of life can seem overwhelming and lead us to doubt ourselves just when we need confidence the most. The goal of this series is to help you develop the resilience you need to navigate challenging situations in school, work and life. The series will consist of six recorded videos, each followed by a small group discussion the following week. 

Meera Algaraja, CEHD researcher, who uncovered a Louisville link to the birth of yoga in the United States and the rise of feminism in India.

MediTEAtion

The Graduate School is excited to host a space for graduate students to come and relax with a cup of tea in community with fellow graduates. A guided mediation will be offered for a portion of the program where students can learn meditation practices to help them in their lives. 

Students take notes during a lecture

Write It Out: Graduate Monthly Journaling Club

Join other graduate students and journal at your own leisure or follow a few guiding questions and prompts. Journaling is known to be beneficial for managing stress levels, processing emotions and increasing overall mental wellbeing. Come for a quiet and thoughtful space to “Write it Out.” Offered in-person and virtually! 

Excited Grad Student

Graduate Student Support Group

Join the Counseling Center staff and meet other graduate students from a variety of disciplines with whom you can share your struggles and successes in both graduate school and life. The goal of this group is to provide a comfortable space to receive and offer support as you navigate through your graduate school journey. We will use fun videos and articles to help facilitate our discussion. This group is led by two licensed therapists. 

International Graduate Students attending event.

International Graduate Community Group

Moving to a new place can be an intimidating and isolating experience. But you are not alone! Join our weekly International Graduate Student Community Group to meet and build relationships with other UofL students who come from various backgrounds and cultures. This group meets Fridays from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, bi-weekly on both Belknap and HSC campuses.

Student sitting on the front entrance steps to the Belknap Academic center in deep thought while typing on the computer.

Cards SPEAK Kognito Training

Kognito is an online, interactive training. Users can learn to identify students and peers exhibiting signs of psychological distress and motivate them to seek appropriate help. Users can also learn self-help strategies. Kognito training equips faculty, staff and students with the tools necessary to promote mental health and prevent suicide by practicing scenarios online. 

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