By Kristin Davis
These challenging times have seen scientists attempt to juggle many hats, from directing their own research programs and mentoring students at a distance, to increased demands for peer review and attendance among various committees. Yet, not often recognized, is the immense toll this has taken on the mental health of scientists and other research personnel. This essay is a reminder that burnout in academia and higher education is real and now more widespread than ever.
Read the full Science magazine piece here: https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2021/03/i-m-empty-pandemic-scientists-are-burning-out-and-don-t-see-end-sight
Here are some resources on how to prioritize your mental health in the time of COVID-19:
- The American Association for Anatomy’s collection of webinars and other materials for fostering wellness (THRIVE): https://www.anatomy.org/AAA/Resources/Thrive-Fostering-Wellness.aspx
- How to identify the signs and symptoms of burnout: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
- The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s hub for COVID-19 mental health resources by province and territory: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/provincial-and-territorial-covid-19-resources
For immediate support:
- Callers anywhere in Canada have access to a crisis and counselling support line by phone, in French or English: toll-free 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7)
- For provincial and territorial services: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/suicide-prevention-crisis-centre-contact-information/crisis-centres/canadian-crisis-centres/