On Jan. 30, Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, died by suicide. Her tragic death prompted renewed discussion about the term “high-functioning depression.” The phrase describes those suffering from the symptoms of depression while also being able to maintain the pretense that they are not mentally ill and suffering. A component to this phrase is something called toxic productivity, where people focus and value their professional or academic success more than their mental health, and it’s alarmingly common. Toxic productivity is the product of a misguided understanding based on what is called “hustle culture” defining what success is and unrealistic expectations. It is a growing problem that needs to be addressed by universities and employers by providing mental health resources while also fostering an environment for people to flourish in.
For students, the rise in toxic productivity is only a part of decreasing mental health. In addition to academic responsibilities, many students also have financial and familial stressors weighing on them. Additionally, online classes have contributed to blurred lines between academic spaces and living spaces. There’s no going home at the end of the day to a comforting space because online learning spaces unintentionally cause students as well as professors to be constantly on call.
The academic pressures students face are already enough stress to deal with. Part of the problem with toxic productivity is that students often compare their own productivity and success with others. There is an aspect of public shaming — whether in person, behind someone’s back or through numerous social media platforms — for students who are not working themselves to the bone. Sadly, bragging about how little sleep one is getting or how much caffeine they’re running on is becoming trendy. This adds to the internal guilt some students report feeling when they don’t believe they’re working themselves ragged.
A step in the right direction would be recognizing the term high-functioning depression, or another term encompassing the same symptoms since there is definite crossover between the two. It could be incredibly important in acknowledging the reality that is toxic productivity, although the two do not always accompany one another. “High-functioning depression” would mean that while their academic performance may not be suffering, they’re experiencing symptoms of depression and their academic achievements cannot be used as a reliable measure for their motivation or energy levels. A person’s level of productivity should not be used as an indicator of their mental health, and that shift in thinking would show people that their productivity needs to take precedence. More effort in general needs to be put into recognizing the signs of toxic productivity and of “high-functioning depression” before students experience the negative effects of burnout which will affect their academic and personal lives.
Universities need to do more than just offer services to deal with the problems that arise. For starters, UCR offers a number of counseling and psychological services. The UCR CAPS Care Package lists a number of mental health and COVID related services that students can utilize, but it’s not always enough to address this ongoing issue.
The definition of productivity should include the mental well-being of the person responsible for production. People need to be considered as more than what they contribute to a market or a classroom. Teaching students, professors and staff to recognize the signs of toxic productivity and not brush off the seemingly normal commentary of students bragging about how burnt out they are is only the beginning. Productivity means being healthy and stable and being able to offer the best of your abilities. People should accept nothing less than their best work, and people can’t give their best unless they’re at their best.
