Burnout. Fatigue. Anxiety. Mental health. These words have become integrated into the everyday lives of architects, especially since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, looming economic crises, and socio-political injustices taking place globally the state of mental health among individuals has suffered greatly.

Mental health impacts people in many different ways. While discussions of well-being have become more common among family and friends, workplaces and schools have made it a point to address the issues and struggles employees, teams, students, and faculty face.

It's clear that everyone isn't always "okay" and that the increased awareness of mental health support and resources has grown, for the better. While October 10 is recognized as World Mental Health Day, its observance shouldn't be restricted to a single moment. 

Architecture's relationship to mental health

For those who prefer to listen, Archinect Sessions Episode 121 features a conversation with architect and writer Esther Sperber. The podcast team dives into "the very real and serious issue of mental health in architecture." Archinect's Paul Petrunia writes, "Anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, chemical abuse... these are just a few of the indicators common in architecture. If you’re not suffering from any of these, you’re likely working around people that are [...] Our conversation ranges from learning to listen and empathize, to simple daily strategies for coping with mental health issues of your own and those around you, to addressing more serious problems including chemical imbalances and professional treatment." 

Anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, chemical abuse... these are just a few of the indicators common in architecture. If you’re not suffering from any of these, you’re likely working around people that are – Paul Petrunia

Discussions of mental health within the construction industry is another important topic to highlight. In May 2020 coverage, we discussed the impacts of the pandemic and how construction workers were being impacted. An often overlooked group of the AEC community, a report published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), "Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment, found that "26% of construction industry professionals thought about taking their own lives in 2019 – before the COVID-19 pandemic had hit the industry – and 97% recorded being stressed at least once in the last year."

Burnout

Archinect Feature: Burnout, and the Architecture Work Culture

Topics of burnout and work culture within architecture have been discussed at length on Archinect. Back in July 2019, Sean Joyner dove into this topic. He asked, "how many stories have we heard of the extreme working conditions in our industry? Starting from school, "all-nighters" become an inevitable part of our participation as students. It's our ticket to the club. A simple Google search reveals that architecture students are one of the hardest working majors, spending the most hours per week on coursework. And it doesn't stop with school. Naturally, this culture bleeds into the workplace [...] We vow to get the work done at all costs. But what costs are those really? Our health, wealth, and happiness? Is it really worth it?"

...how many stories have we heard of the extreme working conditions in our industry? Starting from school, 'all-nighters' become an inevitable part of our participation as students. It's our ticket to the club [...] We vow to get the work done at all costs. But what costs are those really? Our health, wealth, and happiness? Is it really worth it? – Sean Joyner

February 2022 coverage discussing burnout during the pandemic continued after Niall Patrick Walsh reported on a write-up from neuroscientist and author Dean Burnett. "We have complex neurological systems that assess whether tasks are worth doing, compared to the potential reward they’ll produce," explained Brunett. "Accordingly, if we put more effort in than the reward warrants, that can be a very stressful experience. Say you work for months on a project, only for a boss to suddenly cancel it on a whim. This induces considerable stress." Walsh adds that architects committing to the high-stress factors that go into project completion continues to put the profession at a high risk of burnout. 

Mental Health in Academia

Architectural academia has entered a period of intense reform, especially since news of inappropriate acts and behaviors have been reported on from several big-name schools like SCI-Arc, and the Bartlett. Beyond the rigorousness of architectural academia, discussions among school leaders and administrations have been spearheaded by the push for better and safer working environments for students and faculty alike. From studio culture, jury critiques, and internships, students are finding ways to ask for help and gain resources to navigate architecture school. 

In the "Debunking Architecture's Mythological Work Culture" essay, Joyner discussed his intent to "explore the deeper historical and philosophical concepts that I believe underlie what we’ll call the conservative view of architecture work culture: that long hours, toil and suffering, and low pay are inevitable realities of pursuing a rigorous design career."

The architecture industry isn't the only profession that struggles with mental health issues and practices. The past few years have shown that the community is finding ways to reassess and readdress issues that can no longer be swept under the rug.

Understanding mental health and its impact on our daily lives continue to evolve, and in turn, our understanding and openness to discussing it should as well. An industry like architecture is filled with outdated habits and work expectations that many individuals and organizations are working towards de-stigmatizing. Below you'll find more Archinect coverage discussing mental health in architecture. 

Want to share comments and experiences with managing mental health in architecture? Explore our Archinect forum thread: Mental Health Central

*If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. Or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.