"The Mental Health Crisis in Academia: Challenges Faced by Researchers"

What is mental health research? Before we get cracking, let me introduce myself. I’m M. Talha, and I am a research student at Southeast University.

Research may seem straightforward, but managing it can be challenging. Before writing this article, I hadn’t considered mental health in the context of research. Yet, advancements in any field require research and careful consideration. With many unanswered questions about mental health, millions worldwide struggle unnecessarily. High-quality research is essential to determining what works and what doesn’t. Good mental health research enhances our understanding and identifies effective treatments.

Many graduate students face mental health challenges that make them question their place in academia. Scientists who have experienced significant lows during graduate school share insights on what helped them through difficult times and suggest strategies to create mentally healthier academic environments for everyone.

Over the past decade, research has consistently shown that researchers are 25–50% more likely to experience high stress, depression, and anxiety than the general population. [10][11] More recent studies highlight that doctoral students face up to six times the risk of mental health challenges compared to the general population, with risks especially high for women and those in the humanities and social sciences. [9]

The higher prevalence of poor mental health among researchers may be partly explained by self-selection. Individuals at greater risk of mental health challenges might be more inclined toward prolonged research studies and academic careers, which are often seen—rightly or wrongly—as more cerebral, intensely intellectual, and creative. However, these trends indicate that both the nature of qualitative research and the characteristics of those drawn to it may elevate the risk of mental health issues.

Despite these patterns, there has been limited acknowledgment or exploration of whether and how qualitative research affects mental health. To identify factors associated with the mental health of students in higher education, this study seeks to shed light on key influences contributing to mental health challenges.

Elvis’s Experience

In November 2016, just three months into his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Cornell, Elvis considered quitting. Despite a lifelong dream of an academic career, he struggled with advanced courses, lab misfits, isolation as an international student, and daily frustrations that led to depression. Like many international students, he hid his struggles from his family to avoid causing worry.

Seeking support, Elvis reached out to old friends and connected with other international students in his cohort. They formed a support group, openly discussing their challenges and offering advice. With guidance from Cornell’s Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Field Assistant, Elvis switched to a new research group. His new advisor, an immigrant himself, provided exceptional support, reigniting Elvis’s passion for his project. This change led to notable achievements, including being named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list, project features, and prestigious postdoctoral fellowships.

Reflecting on his journey, Elvis credits his peers, department, and research group for easing his transition and making his PhD journey fulfilling. He encourages more international students to form support groups and seek institutional assistance, as supportive environments can alleviate isolation and promote success. [7]

Zack’s Experience

In May 2017, two years into his PhD in Geological and Environmental Sciences at Stanford, Zack faced a mental health crisis, feeling suicidal and hospitalized on the day of his qualifying exams. He spent 11 days in the hospital, followed by six weeks of group therapy and five months away from his dissertation. Reflecting back, he believes this break was crucial, teaching him the importance of unplugging, prioritizing personal well-being, and setting boundaries with work.

Supported by his PhD advisor, family, and friends, Zack returned to academia, eventually passing his exams and defending his PhD in 2020. Since then, he has worked with the US Department of Energy and NASA, and his research has appeared in Popular Science and CNN. Committed to advocacy, he openly shares his mental health journey to create supportive academic spaces. He co-founded The Manic Monologues, a play featuring true mental health stories, and has spoken on mental health at various events, including Amazon’s diversity series and NPR.

While he continues to face challenges, Zack maintains his mental health with professional help, medication, and a strong support network of friends, family, and colleagues. [7]

How can graduate students be both broadly satisfied but also increasingly unwell?

The stereotype of the “dedicated scientist” who sacrifices well-being for work is harmful, suggesting that mental and physical health are less important. But scientists are humans, and supporting their mental health is essential for a positive, productive research environment. [1]

Mental health is closely linked with equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts, as diverse teams lead to better science. [2] [3], yet many who provide mental health support within institutions struggle with their own mental health, adding to their stress. [4] When mental health isn’t prioritized, institutions risk losing valuable talent. A recent Nature survey found that 51% of postdoctoral researchers have considered leaving science due to mental health struggles. [5] The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the crisis, with 78% of research staff showing moderate to severe distress. [6] The competitive nature of research and limited funding can also make it feel risky to talk about mental health, highlighting the need for stronger support from institutions.

What happens when you put together a group of super achievers who are accustomed to being the best into a new environment called a Ph.D. program?

Scott Turow’s?One L ?provides a window into that environment at Harvard Law School, one that mirrors many of the trials and tribulations that many graduate students face across multiple fields.

Sanna Bergvall, Clara Fernstrom, Eva Ranehill, and Anna Sandberg at Lund University used Swedish population-wide longitudinal administrative data to assess whether the high incidence of mental health treatment among PhD students is due to pre-existing conditions or is influenced by the PhD process itself. A new study reports that in 2016, 13.5% of their sample of active PhD students received psychiatric medication. This finding aligns with studies in economics and political science, which report that 10–14.9% of PhD students receive mental health treatment. However, the authors suggest that these figures may underestimate the true prevalence, as they only record diagnosed cases.

Cassie M. Hazell and Clio Berry, in their article published on January 12, 2022, conducted a survey of over 3,300 UK PhD students and a control group of 1,200 professionals to examine mental health challenges within academia. Their research found that PhD students are more likely to experience severe symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to professionals, although there was no significant difference in suicidality between the groups. Alarmingly, 42% of PhD students believe that experiencing mental health problems during a PhD is normal, with 35% considering ending their studies due to these issues.“42% of PhD students reported that they believed having a mental health problem during your PhD is the norm.”

U.S. survey data in prior published research indicates that about 14.9% of Ph.D. students in?economics ?and 10 to 13.5% of Ph.D. students in?political science ?have received mental health treatment. However, because it is not possible to randomly assign people to a Ph.D. program and then follow them over time, it is also unclear whether these students who sought out mental health treatment already had issues to begin with prior to entering the programs.

Using Swedish administrative records from 2006–17, the authors tracked more than 20,000 PhD students before and after they started their programs. This allowed the team to assess the direct effect of doctoral studies on students’ mental health, says Eva Ranehill, a behavioural economist at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Managing Mental Health

Some PhD students have found effective ways to manage mental health challenges during graduate school. Here are a few of their suggestions:

1. Take Breaks: Fara Rigolle, a PhD student in psychology at the University of Ghent, began daily runs during Belgium's lockdown. Initially concerned it would slow her progress, she found that regular breaks improved her focus and well-being over time.
2. Self-Comparison: To combat impostor syndrome, Rigolle advises comparing oneself only to past progress rather than to peers. Reflecting on her own growth helps her recognize improvements and stay motivated.
3. Talk to Supportive People: Mariana Murillo Roos, a PhD student from Costa Rica studying in Germany, emphasizes the value of connecting with people who understand your background. Talking with culturally aware friends helped her navigate challenges and stay motivated.
4. Seek Support Networks: Ewa Pluciennicka, founder of PhD Success, encourages students to seek peer support and not hide their struggles. She advises being proactive about mental health by connecting with others who share similar experiences. [12]

Conclusions

The popular image of the “stoic scientist” tirelessly working through the night is unhealthy and distracts from the real mental health and diversity challenges in academia. Issues like bullying, job insecurity, lack of inclusion, and intense competition are driving these crises.

Tackling these problems requires unified efforts across academia, particularly from those in leadership roles. Because these issues are interconnected—such as higher bullying rates and job insecurity among underrepresented groups—they must be addressed together to build a more supportive research culture.

There is still a notable lack of data on researchers' mental health, especially regarding suicidal thoughts. Satinsky et al. [12] stress the importance of universities actively monitoring and supporting the mental well-being of PhD students. Recognizing the urgency of mental health in academia is essential for fostering real, positive change.

References

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