This week, as we observe EU Mental Health Week (May 19-25, 2025), it’s crucial to shine a light on an often-overlooked area where mental health challenges are particularly prevalent: the research industry. While the pursuit of knowledge is noble, the demanding nature of research can take a significant toll on the well-being of those dedicated to it.
The Silent Struggle: Statistics and Reasons for Stress in Research
The research environment, particularly academia, presents unique stressors that contribute to a concerning prevalence of mental health issues. Studies indicate that mental health problems are notably higher among researchers, including postgraduate students, compared to the general working population.
Consider these statistics:
- High Levels of Stress and Burnout: A rapid evidence assessment found that levels of burnout appear higher among university staff than in general working populations and are comparable to “high-risk” groups such as healthcare workers. Large proportions (over 40%) of postgraduate students report symptoms of depression, emotion or stress-related problems, or high levels of stress.
- Impact on Productivity: Globally, around 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy approximately $1 trillion annually. For those in research, this can manifest as reduced focus, stalled progress, and decreased innovation.
- Women and Early-Career Researchers at Higher Risk: Women researchers tend to report more exposure to stress and greater challenges with work-life balance. Job insecurity, particularly for early-career researchers on successive short-term contracts, is a significant contributing factor to stress and mental health problems.
- Long Hours and High Demands: The pressure to publish, secure grants in highly competitive environments, and manage heavy workloads are constant companions for researchers. One study found that a longer research work duration was significantly associated with higher anxiety and depression among biomedical students, with a recommendation for not more than 7 hours a day on research to maintain mental health balance.
- Work-Life Conflict and Lack of Support: Work-life conflict, low job control, poor supervisor support, and exclusion from decision-making are all linked to mental health problems in PhD students. Many employees across industries, including research, feel that mental health support in their workplace is inadequate.
These factors create a challenging environment where the pursuit of scientific advancement can inadvertently compromise the well-being of those on the front lines.
A Mindful Gift from Future Needs
Recognizing this critical need for support, Future Needs has developed a set of 12 mental health cards, each illustrating a simple yet effective way to calm down and find inner balance. These cards are designed to be a gentle reminder that even amidst the most demanding research, taking a moment for self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity.
We invite you to download and print your own set of these mindful cards.
👉 Click here to get your printable file sent straight to your inbox.
During the entire month of May, in honor of EU Mental Health Week, Future Needs has been gifting printed versions of this “mindful gift” to everyone we’ve been meeting in person. However, we understand that mental well-being is important throughout the entire year, and therefore, we will continue to share these valuable tools with those we connect with.
Prioritizing mental health in the research industry isn’t just about individual well-being; it’s about fostering a sustainable and innovative research ecosystem. By acknowledging the challenges and providing practical support, we can empower researchers to thrive, both professionally and personally.
References
- Levecque, K., Anseel, F., De Beuckelaer, A., Van der Heyden, J., & Gisle, L. (2017). Work organization and mental health problems in PhD students. Research Policy, 46(4), 868–879. Read the policy.
- Luo, C., Song, S., Lin, Y., & Wei, Y. (2022). The Effects of Research Activities on Biomedical Students’ Mental Health: A National Cross-Sectional Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 9004543. Read the article
- Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Mental health at work statistics. View the source
- Meditopia for Work. (n.d.). Workplace Mental Health Statistics for 2025. View the source
- Spill. (n.d.). 53 workplace mental health statistics you can’t ignore in 2025. View the source
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health at work. View the source
