Academia has a (not-so-hidden) mental health crisis at all levels. The pandemic paradigm shift to remote instruction added to the preexisting heavy workloads, inequality, constant juggling between coursework, mentoring, and the need to prove one’s abilities has dealt a heavy blow to those in higher education. Despite the return to in-person instruction, the residual effect of the pandemic remains apparent. Support networks like the Society of Stem Women of Color (SSWOC) and faculty support ameliorate the situation, but that is not enough. Systemic changes to academic career advancement policies are necessary despite tenuous mental health in academia.
The mental crisis affects all levels of academia, from undergraduates, grads, faculty, staff, and administrators. In fact, the rate at which college students depart from academia and seek mental health help in light of increased mental health awareness has been steadily increasing. A recent online survey showed that graduate students are six times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the general population. This crisis is also evident in the increased rates of reported faculty burnout, stress, feelings of being overwhelmed, and physical illness among faculty and staff. Moreover, unaddressed mental health challenges hinder academic career advancement, especially for women of color in STEM.
But with all the mental health awareness in the academy, why isn’t the situation changing?
Selfcare matters. Support networks, while seeming supportive, may not provide practical solutions to specific challenges an individual may be facing. As years of research and networking have taught me, reshaping your career advancement strategies is essential to get over the academic advancement career rut and may help improve your mental health. Remember self-care means putting yourself first!
Faculty coaching tackles mental challenges and career progression snags in the academy. Reorienting yourself to meet today’s equality needs and competencies and balancing career progression with your personal life requires a career coach with a background in higher ed. Dr. Loren M Hill, a renowned career coach, broaches the core issue and remodels your academic career advancement strategies from the core.
Looking to advance into adjunct faculty? Loren M. Hill can help you. Reach out to Dr. Hill to set up a consultation.