Going to university wasn’t something I had initially considered as nobody else in my family had gone, so it wasn’t something I knew much about. However, my Psychology teacher at secondary school encouraged me to apply, and I’m so glad I did as it started me on this career path which I love so much.
Like many people working in Psychology, I have my own lived experience of mental health difficulties which drew me to the field. I always thought I wanted to go into clinical work and support people ‘on the frontline’. After trying this out during a placement on my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I realised it wasn’t a great fit for me. I felt a bit stuck and unsure what to do next. Fortunately, I stumbled across a research assistant role entirely by accident whilst searching for jobs in mental health. Research wasn’t something I had considered, but the job sounded great and I was keen to apply.
I was very grateful to get the research assistant job which was working on a trial evaluating a smartphone app for young people attending CAMHS with insomnia. I instantly loved research, and I felt like I was still able to contribute to improving things for people struggling with their mental health in a way that suited me and my skillset.
My supervisor in that role encouraged me to apply for a PhD and I was successful. For my PhD I chose to research self-harm as it is a topic close to my heart that I am incredibly passionate about.
Since my PhD, my main research areas have been self-harm and suicide. Studying topics that I am naturally interested in makes work feel like a hobby rather than a chore, and I am fortunate to work with such brilliant colleagues who I get a lot of inspiration and motivation from.
I am very grateful for this career and, whilst it does of course have its challenges, I’m so glad I became a researcher by accident.