Mind matters: investigating academia’s ‘mental health crisis’
Jan 10, 2025
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Simona Lackner, a multidisciplinary researcher and ambassador for REmO, emphasizes the pressing mental health issues in academia and the challenges of work-life balance. She shares insights on why academics struggle to switch off, revealing the long-term health risks involved. Joined by clinical psychologist Desiree Dickerson, they discuss institutional shortcomings and the need for systemic change. Exploring strategies for establishing a supportive academic culture, Lackner advocates for well-being practices that empower researchers to thrive personally and professionally.
The competitive culture in academia, driven by the 'publish or perish' mentality, significantly contributes to rising rates of mental health issues among researchers.
Implementing comprehensive support systems and fostering a culture of empathy are essential steps to address the ongoing mental health crisis in academia.
Deep dives
The Mental Health Crisis in Academia
Academia faces a significant mental health crisis, primarily stemming from the demanding and competitive nature of research. The constant push for excellence, alongside the pressure to publish, creates an environment where stress, anxiety, and depression can thrive among researchers. Statistics indicate that the rates of mental health issues are notably higher in academia compared to the general population, with one study revealing that up to 37% of academics experience serious mental health challenges. This crisis is exacerbated by systemic problems, including precarious job security and the harsh realities of career advancement, which disproportionately affect marginalized individuals in the academic community.
Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues
Various structural elements within academia contribute to the deteriorating mental health of researchers. The culture of 'publish or perish' not only creates a sense of instability but also fosters a competitive environment detrimental to collaboration and support among peers. Additionally, many newcomers to the field, particularly those from diverse backgrounds or first-generation academics, often face hurdles in navigating the academic system, making their path to success increasingly difficult. These challenges lead to isolation and a sense of inadequacy, further intensifying issues like imposter syndrome and burnout.
Potential Solutions and the Path Forward
To address the mental health crisis in academia, institutions need to implement comprehensive support systems that focus on both individual and systemic change. Building awareness about mental health and fostering a culture of empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial for creating a healthier academic environment. Encouraging open conversations surrounding mental health, providing access to professional support, and facilitating initiatives aimed at resilience and burnout prevention can empower individuals to seek help sooner. Ultimately, changes must come from all levels of academia, promoting an inclusive environment that values well-being alongside academic achievement.
Why do so many academics struggle to ‘power down’ at the end of a long working day, and what are the longer-term health effects of failing to switch off at evenings and weekends?
Desiree Dickerson is a clinical psychologist based in Valencia, Spain, who works with academic institutions to develop healthier and more sustainable approaches to research. She joins Simone Lackner to discuss why poor mental health is often so prevalent in academia, and often described as reaching crisis proportions.
Lackner is a multidisciplinary researcher and ambassador for the Researcher Mental Health Observatory (REmO), an international network focussed on wellbeing and mental health within academia. In 2022 she founded The Empathic Scientist, a consultancy which focuses on wellbeing and inclusion in academia.
This episode is the first of an eight-part series on mental health and wellbeing in academia. Over the next few weeks Adam Levy will be speaking with a wide range of people who share their own experiences and expertise, including potential solutions to a longstanding problem.