Am at end of first year, and feeling more and more depressed. I feel inadequate when my colleagues discuss stuff, lonely, frustrated because my subjects aren't cooperating, neglected by my supervisor, and more and more aware that my research doesn't really benefit anyone.
Just want to feel happy, not sure if can take feeling like this for the rest of it.

I'm sure people will all reassure you and its normal... but then again, there is no shame in quiting and finding something you are more happy with. Find that something first though... it may not even exist. Also do enough for an MPhil and then at least you will have closure and something to show for your efforts.

That's good advice Pep…but Helen, make sure you are not being too hard on yourself, it's easy to feel inadequate if you are comparing yourself with colleagues who have many years more research experience than you. Undoubtedly, everyone who has been through the PhD process has felt as you do at one time or another so as Pep predicted, what you are feeling is 'normal' but certainly nothing is worth making yourself constantly miserable for. Perhaps try to have some time off to de-stress a bit and then reassess how you feel? Take care.

You've got to just think what is at the end of it all - be in it for yourself and forget trying to impress others. If I were you I would just press on as best you can, you will get through it and the 2 two years will fly by. I think you will regret it if you give up now. You can only do your best and when you graduate you will wonder what all the fuss was about!

Almost everybody wants to give up at some point during their PhD, but the majority of these carry on to successfully complete their PhD. If you're serious about stopping, then the MPhil is a good option. But in the words of Albert Einstein 'If we knew what we were doing it wouldn't be called research would it?'

Doing a PhD is really just a difficult process. I have accepted this and decided to try and get on with it. But at points, I get quite depressed and feel terribly unhappy about this long process. I really just want to finish and move on with my life. I've tried lifestyle changes, breaks etc. Anty suggestions from anyone in a similar position?

eat it