October brings pumpkins, costumes, and all things spooky—but for many doctoral students, the real scares aren’t in haunted houses. They live in your calendar, inbox, and committee emails. The good news? Journaling can help you face them head-on.

👻 The “Invisible Monster”: Overwhelm

The endless deadlines, articles to read, and revisions can feel like a monster that never sleeps.
Journal prompt: What’s the one task I can finish today that will quiet the monster of overwhelm?

🕷 The “Spider Web”: Self-Doubt

Imposter syndrome loves to spin webs of doubt.
Journal prompt: What evidence do I have that I belong in this program? (List out wins, even the small ones.)

🧟 The “Zombie March”: Burnout

When you’re running on fumes, you’re not at your best. Journaling can serve as a reset.
Journal prompt: If my energy were a battery, what percent would it be today? What would recharge it?

🦇 The “Bat Cave”: Fear of Feedback

Committee notes, peer reviews, or supervisor comments can feel like a swarm swooping in.
Journal prompt: What part of the feedback helps me grow? What part is just noise I can release?

📝 Takeaway

This October, instead of running from your doctoral fears, write through them. Journaling isn’t about perfection—it’s about getting honest with yourself, finding clarity, and realizing that most of the “scary stuff” loses its power once you put it on paper.

So grab your journal, light a fall candle, and ask yourself: What really spooks me about this journey and how will I face it?