Hey all,
I've just recently submitted my corrected PhD hard copy, which was a great feeling. I don't want to whinge but have had a really weird feeling about it all ever since (I guess it will pass)...can anyone identify with this strange post-viva submission feeling of worry?

Don't get me wrong: it was definitely a great feeling, holding the smooth cover and seeing my name in shiny silvery gold [in that brief window of opportunity before handing it over!] but I must confess, I'm feeling quite anxious now about it... in particular, I keep worrying that I've "missed something"/did something wrong/left in a grave error, etc...is this normal?

Why can't I just feel like this is "over" and move on?! (It was very recently that I handed it in, like days ago). I'm annoyed at myself too for even having this feeling when I should be celebrating with my family, etc!

So I think I made the awful mistake of opening it up and having a quick glance through the thesis, and it was then that I noticed a very minor thing in the formatting on one page (actually, it was a missing blank page to separate a section).
Am I just being crazy or do other people do this and feel like a failure for not making the copy perfect at this stage? Despite going through it all so many times in the correcting process, I just feel disappointed or something that I didn't get it "perfect" when given the opportunity. Sorry to whinge. I just need to talk it out, I guess!

I think this is totally normal. You would miss your friends or family if they were gone right? You've just spent years of your life immersed in your PhD, of course you are going to miss it if you enjoyed doing it!

Don't worry about the missing blank page, if that's the only 'mistake' in your thesis I think you've done very well and should be proud :)

Right now I am in the few months before submission where I hate my thesis and I feel like it hates me but I think I will feel like you when it's all over.

Thanks so much, TreeofLife :-) I appreciate that and I'm sorry if I sound whiny to others.

It's just such a strange process.. my weird feelings right now could certainly be attributed to 'loss'...I hadn't thought of this! Thank you and best of luck in your final stage. Also, hating thesis is SO normal too! :-D

I'm preparing to submit and I just spoke to one of my supervisors. She said to make sure that I have something to do and fill my time with after I submit. She says the feeling is like post-natal depression!!!!

It's a real thing and I think it's natural and probably everyone goes through it. I also think most people can find mistakes/problems when they look back at the finished document. I know that most of my friends have and some even cringe at their completed thesis just a little bit on from completing.

I know it's hard, but try not to worry and find something to fill your time. Good luck! :)

Many thanks, Glowworm, and yes, I need to distract myself now! Will do something completely away from my laptop lol Best of luck with submitting and I'm sure it will go smoothly for you both :-) xo

i felt just the same - I kept thinking they would contact me to say it had all been a mistake! It wasn't until I received official confirmation that I really celebrated. Just try to enjoy the moment!

As other people have remarked, these kind of feelings very common and completely understandable! You've invested so much in your thesis, and now it's finished.

Thank you all for the words of support. I really do appreciate it and best of luck to everyone in the final stages! x