Mitigating dilemmas in postgraduate researcher mental health and well-being project implementation: critical reflections from three former implementers

Purpose This paper aims to present the critical reflections of three women implementers formerly working in projects that seek support mental health and well-being (MHW) postgraduate researchers (PGRs), which has become a recent focus for UK policymakers. The offers an experience-based perspective on tensions PGR-MHW project implementation by providing personal accounts several social dilemmas authors encountered. From reflecting experiences, derived recommendations mitigating such when designing delivering future projects. Design/methodology/approach First, experiences as female were recalled, listed discussed identified broad overarching themes. Second, one dilemma each themes was fleshed out according ones carried meaning how role personally experienced. Third, what meant outcomes analyzed. Then findings existing literature where similar linked, including these could be mitigated. Findings experienced fit among interconnected themes: identity, values, motivations relationships. It showed that, although they may hard see, presented this impede project’s success, PGRs implementers’ well-being. Mitigating designing, funding, implementing evaluating is not straightforward, article open avenues tackle problem. Originality/value Focusing implementers, provides original evaluation. Using reflective writing research tool allowed us identify overlooked implementation. Honest revealed important lessons different framings intersection between professional individual responsibilities networks.