More Than Nutrition: Practicing Mental Health Care as a Dietetics Graduate Student

By Ammie Martinez

Coming from someone who has struggled to balance school, research, work, volunteering, and maintaining my personal relationships with friends and family, graduate school can feel overwhelming at times. There are days when it feels like everything demands your attention at once, and honestly, our program is challenging. We are scientists! We are learning how to think critically, analyze research, and apply evidence-based practice every day. 

With so much going on, staying motivated hasn’t always been easy for me. Some days felt heavier than others, and pushing through trying to finish everything on my to-do list felt so exhausting. Over time, though, I’ve learned the importance of giving myself grace and reminding myself that I can’t do everything perfectly all the time to be successful. 

One of the most important lessons I learned was that I didn’t have to go through everything alone. During my most stressful times, I reached out to my professors for guidance and support. Opening up about how I was feeling not only helped me academically, but it reminded me that asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength. Learning how to take care of my mental health became an essential part of my growth as a graduate student and as a future registered dietitian. 

Structure also plays a big role in how I manage stress. Having a schedule allows me to be more intentional with my time, helping me stay organized and maintain balance. It’s important for me to carve out time just for myself, even on my busiest days. On most nights, I try to wind down by reading at least 10 pages of a book. I also make space for an exercise class on campus or a walk with a friend whenever I can. During periods of a heavier workload, I’ve found the campus counseling center to be a great source of support, helping me manage my stress in a healthy way. These small routines have become meaningful moments that help me recharge and stay present.

Through trial and error, I’ve learned what helps me manage stress. Below are a few tips that may help other dietetics graduate students navigate through these challenging times and to stay motivated, remembering that it will all be worth it. 

Tips for Managing Stress in Graduate School:

1. Be kind to yourself.

Graduate school is demanding and it’s unrealistic to expect perfection every single day. Being kind to yourself can help prevent burn out and keep you moving forward. 

2. Ask for support.

Whether it’s a professor, classmate, therapist, reaching out can make challenges feel more manageable. 

3. Make time for yourself.

Treat time for yourself as something essential. Even small moments spent doing things you love such as reading, walking, exercising, or spending time with friends, can help reset your mind and reduce stress. 

4. Practice mindfulness.

Simple practices like taking a few deep breaths, being present during meals, or simply focusing on one task at a time can bring calmness to busy days. 

5. Use the resources available to you.

Campus counseling centers and student services exist to help support your mental health, especially during challenging times. Seeking support is an intentional step toward caring for yourself. 

6. Remember the “why”.

On difficult days, I think back to why I chose dietetics and nutrition, and it reminds me that the challenging moments are part of the process. It reminds me why all of this matters.

Graduate school isn’t easy. Give yourself grace and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be.

We love celebrating the next generation of nutrition leaders! Want to learn more about the passionate students shaping the future of our profession? Click here to get to know the 2025-2026 FAND Student Advisory Committee.