"Are you mentally stable to do this research?"
While attending a course on legal pluralism in Lisbon in 2022, I had an interesting and unexpectedly reflective conversation with one of the organizers. We were discussing my research when he suddenly asked “Are you mentally stable to do this research? I apologize for being so blunt, but sometimes students and junior researchers are naïve. They think it is fun, but they do not realize the impact it could have on them.”
The question took me by surprise, but I think it is a valid one. Researching death as a life event is undoubtedly heavy and this conversation reminded me of the emotional demands of researching sensitive subjects. While exploring death as a significant life event can be intellectually fascinating, it also requires emotional preparedness. Recognizing the weight of this work has made me reflect on how I approach my mental well-being and ethical boundaries as a researcher. I am grateful that I am not doing this alone and that I have developed ways to manage it.
I have found that being part of a supportive community is essential. Sharing experiences with mentors and peers helped me process the emotional challenges. Self-awareness is equally crucial—acknowledging what I find disturbing and reflecting on it critically has helped me maintain objectivity and compassion.
Researching heavy topics is not just about intellectual curiosity; it is also about navigating the personal and ethical complexities that come with it. This experience reaffirmed the importance of balancing curiosity with care—for both myself and the people I encounter through my work.