By Krithika Muthukumaran, ORT Times Writer and UHN Trainee
Despite the need for more research into the mental health within academia, this area of focus is building interest. The research that does exist shows that students at university experience high levels of stress and related mental health problems. RAND Europe recently conducted a study in the U.K to shed more light on the mental health of those involved in academia and to assess how more support can be provided for these individuals.
The findings show that stress levels experienced by the academic staff, researchers and students are very high and comparable to stress levels experienced by personnel working in ‘high-risk’ areas, such as health care. The factors contributing to stress and mental illness also vary in individuals depending on the position they hold. It could be due to high pressure to publish manuscripts and capture grant funding, as well issues related to job insecurity, workplace harassment, work-life balance, high workloads and lack of support from supervisors. Another important finding is that academic researchers do not discuss their mental health problems. It was found that only 6.2% reported their mental illness even though the prevalence is around 37%. It was found that suffering from a mental health illness negatively impacts productivity. There is definitely a gender factor too with more women than men reporting exposure to stress and work-life balance-related issues.
More research is needed to determine the best mental health support systems and resources for academics. Current support only deals with workplace stress in general, without addressing the unique needs of these individuals. Another useful area of focus for future studies may be how to best promote open discussion and reducing stigma associated with mental illness. Training the faculty to recognize changes in their students and provide the necessary support and guidance may also be another important solution.
If you are a graduate student and you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope, please get in touch with the University of Toronto, Health and Wellness Centre. If you are a UHN research staff, including post-doctoral fellows, please contact the Employee Assistance Program by calling the 24 hour toll-free helpline at 1-800-387-4765. In addition to these, there are several other resources available:
1. Good2Talk Helpline for Post-Secondary Students: 1-866-925-5454 2.
2. Gerstein centre: 416-929-5200
3. Toronto Distress Centres: 416-408-4357 or 408-HELP
Reference:
1. Understanding mental health in the research environment: A Rapid Evidence Assessment. August 22, 2017. Susan Guthrie, Catherine A. Lichten, Janna Van Belle, Sarah Ball, Anna Knack, Joanna Hofman