Thank you all for your kind words, they came at a time when I needed them the most :)

I have an interview coming up this week with a potential supervisor and was wondering if any of you have any advice on what to say if asked why I am leaving my current PhD?

Hi,
I started a PhD last September and I am now extremely frustrated with the way things are with my supervisors. The state of things is so bad that it has now started affecting both my physical and mental health. I have already looked for help from postgraduate advisor but he basically said he knows said supervisors personally and he is sure things are not as bad as I think it is. Even worse, he told said supervisor about my conversation with him even though I asked him to keep it confidential.

Now my supervisor is pressurising me to quit. He didn't say anything directly but out of the blue he asked me if I wouldn't be better off finding a new PhD. He said I might fail my transfer viva. Even though I have worked very hard this whole year and was under the impression that I was doing at least adequately well. My supervisor also said that he won't tell people anything bad about me if I quit now instead of progressing with the transfer viva.

About me, I don't have a master's degree but I do have a first class bachelor's degree. I studied at a smallish university for my bachelor's and went on to graduate not only the top of my class but I also graduated as the "best graduating student" that year. I also got scholarships and other prizes while I was there. My academic background has been perfect until this year.

While I don't want to be a quitter, I am now starting to consider finding a new PhD. I feel the situation at my current university is irreparable (apart from the advisor I have also asked for help from others at the uni).

What do you guys think? Have any of you ever quit a PhD and were successful in a new one? Am I being too optimistic in thinking I still have a shot?