My relationship with my PhD supervisor has become toxic - what do I do?

"A huge problem for me is the complete lack of academic guidance I have received. I feel my research proposals are consistently dismissed. What's worse, I am often met with extremely harsh remarks in the process. For example, my supervisor has said that I am 'incompetent' and 'not even as good as a master's student'. I get no advice on how I should improve, which has led my attempts at research to run into dead ends repeatedly."

"The persistent psychological pressure and verbal abuse have had a devastating effect on my mental health. I have been formally diagnosed with severe depression and mild anxiety. I am now at a crossroads: I do not know whether I should file a formal complaint against my supervisor or simply drop out of my PhD programme."

"Nature's 2025 global survey of PhD students showed that well-being is directly connected to how supportive supervisors are. About 43% of the respondents had experienced some form of discrimination or harassment, but few choose to report it, over fear of reprisal. In China, where you are, the picture is dismal, according to the survey: PhD students there are significantly less satisfied than are their international peers."

A second-year PhD student in environmental science at a Chinese university seeks guidance after experiencing a toxic supervisor relationship marked by harsh criticism, lack of academic direction, and verbal abuse. The supervisor has made demeaning comments and provided no constructive feedback, leaving the student's research efforts repeatedly unsuccessful. The psychological toll has resulted in formal diagnoses of severe depression and mild anxiety. The student faces a critical decision between filing a formal complaint or withdrawing from the program. A 2025 Nature survey reveals this situation reflects broader patterns: 43% of PhD students globally experienced discrimination or harassment, with few reporting due to reprisal fears. Chinese PhD students report particularly low satisfaction with supervisor relationships compared to international counterparts.

Read at Nature