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| You can read the blogs here: http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/category/blog/anxiety |
Now, it's not long until I finish my first year of university; looking back it's been a wonderful year - I have met some truly amazing people and I have learned so much. Of course, this year has not come without its problems, difficulties and anxieties - balancing a tremendous workload, social life, and not to mention being fully independent for the first time in my life. I've managed to get through my first year of university unscathed; with the help and support of my lecturers, my loved ones and also on-line student forums (speaking of which The Student Room have recently unveiled their brand-spanking new hub for mental health - especially for Mental Health Awareness Week). Reflecting upon this, it got me thinking and so I thought I would write (as the blog post title obviously tells you) about mental health and the world of academia.
Over the past month or so I've seen evermore news stories popping-up in national newspapers about the pressures of academia and its effects on mental health in both students and university staff alike. And, perhaps more alarmingly, the lack of addressing the issue, and the culture of acceptance that mental health problems are part of the parcel in the world of academia.
Last week, The Guardian reported that there have been rises in mental health problems in university staff, due to greater pressures of job insecurity, the never-ending demand for results, difficulties in maintaining a good work-life balance, as well as an ever-increasing competitive higher education system and difficulties in finding support. Furthermore, there have been reports that the negative and inflexible attitudes of many within academia prevent individuals from doing their job - intimidating people from disclosing their mental health problems and getting the support they need. They also state that over the past decade there have been reported increases in individuals seeking help from university counselling and health services. Despite the increases in anecdotal accounts there's been little research into this area.
These hard to shake negative attitudes are also affecting students, particularly those doing PhD's. Another article from The Guardian details the comments of those who are more or less stating that 'this is the path you've chosen so quit complaining'. As well as this, there are others with opinions that those in academia have it 'easy' compared to others in other occupations etc. These attitudes are not helpful one bit and do nothing but belittle and undermine these struggles.
It's disheartening to hear that some of the most intelligent people we have in society, who have gained a voice, and have worked so hard for it, appear to have none when it comes to talking about the problems they face and talking about mental health. Additionally, it disappointing to read that some of the most intelligent people we have in society can be so misunderstanding and apathetic.
These outdated opinions and beliefs are taking its toll on academics; with many refraining from disclosing their problems with anxiety, depressions, eating disorders etc. Following a mental health survey of over 2000 academics, it was found that anxiety affected 83% of academics, depression 75%, panic attacks 42%, eating disorders 15% and that 11% of academics were self-injuring. The survey also reported that around two thirds of the academics who responded said that they have not told anyone in a senior position (e.g. research supervisor or line manager) about their mental health problems, and that just under two thirds had said that none of their colleagues were aware that they were experiencing mental health problems.
It's evident that things need to change here, not just the archaic beliefs but also to assure others that it's perfectly fine to seek support.
If you would like to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week, anxiety, and ways in which to tackle mental health stigma, take a look at the Mental Health Foundation, Mind or Time to Change.
BMNM.
