It is important not to compare yourself to carefully curated personas. Professional profiles and CVs are not the place to disclose weaknesses, failures, mistakes, or illnesses. However, these are elements of real life and we should not be ashamed of them. We are all human and imperfect. Mental illness in particular is stigmatised, and although attitudes are changing for the better, the damaging and unforgiving culture of perfectionism persists.

I shared this in a private group at the beginning of term, but I think it is too important to forget. It is something I have to keep reminding myself.

To anyone who needs to hear this: your essay is not YOU. Neither is it a reflection of your self-worth or your potential to write something much better. A grade is simply a measure of the standard you are currently writing at. Nothing more. It says nothing about your potential to write at a much higher standard. Some students will start the MA already able to write at distinction level, while others have a way to go and many obstacles in their path. Remember that and focus on your own journey. Use feedback to improve current and future pieces of work, and never take criticism of your work personally. Even the best writers sometimes can produce poor quality work, and nothing is ever beyond improvement. You will be emotionally and professionally invested in the success of an essay or manuscript, but it is still important not to view its success or failure as an extension of yourself.