#seek support

Meeting expectations set by my mom & the rest of the world can be quite challenging at times.

- StrawBerry Shortcake Kid

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake is usually portrayed as a cheerful and optimistic character, always ready to help her friends and spread positivity. Her mental status in the stories is often depicted as stable and resilient, even in challenging situations. She faces various adventures and problems with a positive attitude and a kind heart, which helps her overcome obstacles and support her friends. While this meme humorously suggests otherwise, Strawberry Shortcake's character is generally seen as a symbol of stability and joy.

🍰🍓 Even though Strawberry Shortcake is a strong character, everyone has their breaking point when the weight of the world is on their shoulders. No matter how resilient and positive she is, there are moments when the challenges and responsibilities can feel overwhelming. It's important to remember that even the most cheerful and optimistic individuals can struggle at times. Acknowledging these moments of vulnerability can make her character more relatable and human, showing that it's okay to seek support and take a break when needed. 🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓🍰🍓

Growing up, I was lovingly referred to as my mother’s “strawberry shortcake kid.” This identity, infused with sweetness and cheer, has shaped who I am since before I even took my first breath. From the very beginning, my mother instilled in me the values that Strawberry Shortcake embodies—joy, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting those around me. 🍓

Just as Strawberry Shortcake navigates her adventures with positivity, I’ve faced my own challenges with an optimistic outlook. I recall moments in childhood where I would don my favorite strawberry-themed outfits, embodying that cheerful spirit, and aim to spread happiness to my peers. Whether it was organizing a small gathering to celebrate a friend’s achievement or lending a listening ear to someone in need, I embraced the role of a supportive friend, much like my beloved character. 🍰

The lessons I learned from Strawberry Shortcake resonate with me today. I understand the importance of mental resilience and the ability to remain stable in the face of adversity. Her adventures remind me that life will present challenges, but with a kind heart and a positive mindset, we can find solutions and support each other through tough times. 🍓

As I look to the future, I carry forward this legacy of joy and positivity. My journey may not always mirror the simplicity of a children’s story, but I strive to maintain that cheerful disposition and optimism in everything I do. I hope to inspire others in the same way Strawberry Shortcake inspired me—by embracing the sweetness of life, supporting friends, and facing obstacles with a smile. Truly, my identity as a “strawberry shortcake kid” is a testament to the power of positivity and the joy of community. 🍰

As much as I strive to embody the cheerful spirit of Strawberry Shortcake, I recognize that even she has her moments of vulnerability. Despite her strength and unwavering optimism, there are times when the weight of the world bears down heavily on her shoulders. This truth resonates deeply with me, as I have experienced similar moments of feeling overwhelmed, even while trying to maintain a bright facade. 🍓

Acknowledging these struggles is a vital part of my identity. Just like Strawberry Shortcake, I have learned that it’s okay to admit when things feel too heavy and to seek support when needed. There have been days when the responsibilities of life seemed insurmountable, and I, too, have felt the urge to retreat into my own version of Strawberryland, a place where I can recharge and gather my strength 🍰

Understanding that vulnerability is a natural aspect of the human experience has allowed me to embrace my own moments of doubt and fatigue. Recognizing that even the most cheerful individuals can falter has made me more empathetic toward others. It reminds me that behind every smile can lie a story of struggle. It is essential to create spaces where we can express our challenges without fear of judgment, much like how Strawberry Shortcake leans on her friends for support. 🍓

In these instances of vulnerability, I find strength in community. I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with friends who uplift and encourage me, just as Strawberry Shortcake does with her pals. By sharing my feelings and experiences, I discover that I am not alone in my struggles. This connection with others creates a sense of belonging and reminds me that it's perfectly acceptable to take breaks, reevaluate my path, and gather my thoughts. 🍰

Ultimately, embracing both the cheerful and vulnerable aspects of my identity as a “strawberry shortcake kid” has enriched my life. It has taught me that resilience doesn’t mean never faltering; rather, it means acknowledging our struggles and leaning on our support systems when we need them most. Just like Strawberry Shortcake, I strive to face each day with optimism while also allowing myself the grace to be human. 🍓

As promised, here comes another bonus blog post! This time on research funding: what it is, how it works, and when and how to get it. Personally, I don’t have the desire to stay in academia, so this topic is not hugely applicable to me, but it doesn’t hurt to understand it if my options change. I also know that many of you are on a different path to me and might find this information useful.

Disclaimer: I do not take credit for any of the following information, which I obtained from the SAgE Research Funding Development department at Newcastle University, UK. 

Note: Most of the information in this post applies to the UK.

How does research funding work?

The UK has two streams of research funding:

Quality-related (QR) from Research England, which awards block grants to universities to support research (e.g. salaries) and research infrastructure (e.g. buildings, labs) based upon a QR assessment through the Research Excellence Framework.

Research project funding from all other funders e.g. government research councils, EU, industry, who fund specific research projects. This funding is bid for through research proposals in a competitive manner. 

QR tends to cover academic salaries, whereas research assistant/associate salaries and PhD bursaries are bid for as part of a specific project. 

Who funds UK university research?

^ In a nutshell

What you can apply for depends on the stage of your career...

PhD students can sometimes apply for:

Travel and placement funding

Training

Early career fellowships

Prizes

Postdoctoral researchers can usually apply for the above and:

Bridging funding

Vacation studentships

Research grants from some funders

Academics with permanent contracts can also apply for: 

Mid-career or senior fellowships

Pilot funding

Responsive mode funding

New Investigator Awards

Special initiatives that align with funder strategy

Large, strategic grants (often collaborative, can be transnational)

Equipment funding

Prizes

Commercial opportunities

The above have differing degrees of complexity, effort, and criteria. Most institutions also offer some internal funding schemes e.g. visiting fellowships.

Picture source: Google. 

A word on Early-Career Fellowships...

Fellowships are monetary awards to conduct a specific programme of research and significantly enhance a career. This allows for dedicated time to focus on research/innovation, working with professionals, receiving mentoring and  enhanced training opportunities.

These are usually awarded to someone who has already done some supervised research and gained their doctorate or equivalent experience but is still early in their career.

Simplified researcher career path

If academia is your choice of route, you will need the following to succeed:

Funding to carry out desired research.

High quality publications.

High quality, research-led teaching.

Appreciation and demonstration of the future impact of your research.

Public engagement work can complement and add to your expertise.

The 3P’s to a successful application/proposal

PERSON - Why me?... In addition to a list of publications, your academic CV should include any:

Travel grants, prizes, essay competitions...

Invited talks, presentations, collaborations...

Mentoring, supervision, research-led teaching...

Public engagement activities.

Studentships, fellowships, research grants. 

PROJECT - Why now?... The project needs to:

Be composed of the right team of people (relevant skills/expertise, collaborations, partners).

Have impact on knowledge, society, economy, and people.

Be internationally leading and of UK national importance.

Be state-of-the-art in the field.

Address a very important question(s).

Tip: Seek peer review of your proposal!

PLACE - Why here?... Why is the chosen institution the right environment for you and the project? It could be the:

Combination of expertise around you.

Support/mentoring/development/training available.

Commitment to your career, facilities and research space, potentially location with respect to collaborators/partners...

Note: You do not need/are not expected to move institutions when applying for a fellowship.

Proposal content and structure

Convey your genuine interest, understanding, and enthusiasm:

Who is your audience?

What do you want to do?  

Why does it matter?

How will you do it and why?  

3Qs: Why now? Why you? Why here?  

What is the potential impact?

Checklist:

Read the guidelines carefully and thoroughly.

Have a captivating opening summary - pull your reader in.

Have an appropriate aim, objectives, and research hypothesis.

Have a well thought-through research design.

Consider your research environment. 

Address all evaluation criteria.

Reviewer likes and dislikes

Likes:

Clear and concise writing.

Learn very quickly what the project is about and whether it fits the programme objectives.

Solid preliminary data showing that approach has promise.

Evidence that the primary investigator is qualified to do the research.

Specific and thought through research plan.

Dislikes:

Proposals that are vague and unfocused – takes too long to figure out what their aims are.

Dense academic prose – reads too much like a journal paper.

Lack of proof reading and sloppiness (special annoyance).

Incomplete response to programme requirements/evaluation criteria.

Poor/no description of novelty/state-of-the-art of the research.

The project is too ambitious.

Primary investigator lacks competence to do the research.

Photo: A valid question. Source: Google.

Finding funding

Check funder websites and sign up to mailing lists.

Join learned societies and take advantage of their funds.

Use the web and social media, such as RSS feeds, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Distribution of news and funding by your institution and faculty.

Use RESEARCHconnect.

Preparation for success - START NOW

It is never too early to work on your self-development, so go build up your ‘measures of esteem’:

High-quality publications.

Attend/present at conferences

Apply for research funding, including travel awards.

Get recognition through prizes and award nominations.

Develop your network.

Take steps towards research independence (supervise students, manage projects, pilot work…).

Develop collaborations (UK and internationally).  

Plan your long-term research vision.

Discuss your plans with colleagues.

Develop links with industry.

Become a reviewer yourself.

Get international experience through secondments and placements. 

Do public engagement activities.

Transferable skills training e.g. driving, leadership, team work, languages.

Search for funding opportunities that your supervisor can bid for and you can be a part of.

Also remember that you’re not alone in this and don’t be afraid to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, previous applicants, panel members, funding teams, and many others. ✨

Photo: What matters most is how you see yourself. Source: Google. 

If you are like me, they fade fast & they're super easy to ignore. "psh, I'm just struggling, not relapsing."

seek support. today.

Don't gaslight yourself into think you're ok. Fake it till you make it with mental health is a strategy that doesn't even work in the movies. You may be one coffee away from Frankenstein's bride's hair, dear mutual. Please take care of yourself.

Are you experiencing:

Weird fast thinking.

Hypersexual feelings.

Fixation on the bad thing.

Can't sleep again.

"Where did I put the super important thing?" all the time.

Holding your head in your hands, a lot.

"it's not "voices" but there's thoughts" 👀

feel like "can't-stop-wont-stop" or "mood whiplash" doesn't describe your feelings enough.

"if i don't figure out this problem, bad things will happen."

or any/all of the above?

seek support. today.

I get physically sick remembering how far into the woods I was lost before people started seeing that my meds weren't working. That I needed help. There were few precarious moments of internal "something is terribly wrong."

My worst point came when parts of my body literally started speaking to me, against my will. Not kindly either. I checked myself into the hospital shortly after. It probably saved my life.

seek support. today.

What does support look like? it can be a family member or friend you trust. It can be a helpline, a crisis center, a hospital. your primary doctor. Do you have a med manager already? It can be seeking advice from an online community about services in your area.

It can just be a conversation about what you've been experiencing. It does not have to be full on hospitalization. It does not mean immediate commitment to medication. That is why you are reaching out to someone NOW.

I've been there. I've been on the ward. I've been there involuntary. I got the socks! I know the drill. Get ahead of the problem. Sometimes vacation is the answer. Sometimes you just need new/different meds. Sometimes you just need a new point of view from someone you are talking to.

What support does NOT look like: powering through on your own. self harm. drinking. DMing a strange mutual. DMing that one person from your past who holds all the answers. Confronting a person based on your feelings about them. Making important life choices at this time. Taking your frustrations out on [family/friends/coworkers/pets/local business employees/local business windows]. Spending all your money online or in stores. Self-medicating.

Again, I'm Not a Doctor. I DID NOT intend for this to become a PSA on mental health, but I DO hope this is a quick enough read that SOMEONE can benefit from it. If it's not you, then someone you know. I hope your realizations do not come with the pain mine have.

Should your struggling be simply struggling, you should still reach out to someone. The time one spends entertaining that "I would be ok if only [insert activity/desire] then I'd be fine" can actually prolong the road to finally being stable and enjoying your life.