Women’s Mental Health in Archaeology

Archaeology is about digging deep—literally and figuratively. It’s an industry built on curiosity, adventure, and the thrill of discovery. In many ways, it’s the perfect social prescription for mental health. You’re outdoors, moving your body, uncovering the past, and connecting with something bigger than yourself.

Yet, despite these benefits, women and marginalized folks in archaeology still struggle with mental health—often more than their male counterparts. Anxiety, depression, and burnout? All too common. So if archaeology has all these built-in mental health perks, why are so many in the field struggling to maintain their well-being?

At Championing Women’s Mental Health in Archaeology, a panel hosted by The Fair Field Foundation, four leading women in consulting archaeology came together to share their experiences navigating mental health in the field. Moderated by Margarita de Guzman—Managing Director and CEO of Circle CRM Group and founder of The Fair Field Foundation—the discussion featured:
• Chelsea Colwell-Pasch – President and Senior Archaeologist of Colbr Consulting Inc.
• Holly Martelle – Founder and Owner of TMHC Inc.
• Emily Wilkerson – Director of Archaeology at the Transportation Investment Corporation (TICorp).

Together, they cracked open the conversation on mental health in archaeology. They didn’t sugarcoat the struggles, and they certainly didn’t hold back on what needs to change.

This is what we learned.

Let’s stop celebrating “resilience”

Archaeology has a reputation for being tough. The work can be physically and mentally demanding, and many archaeologists pride themselves on their ability to push through. But at what point does resilience become an expectation rather than a strength?

This was a key point of discussion during the panel, with Chelsea challenging the idea that resilience should be worn as a badge of honour. “Success isn’t about how much you can endure,” she explained, emphasizing that while perseverance has its place, it shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being.

For many women in archaeology, resilience has often meant handling everything alone, pushing forward no matter the toll. But let’s be real—that’s not sustainable, and it shouldn’t have to be. When perseverance is treated as the default, burnout becomes the norm, and exhaustion gets mistaken for dedication. Resilience should be a choice, not a survival tactic.

Boundaries are the real MVP

Saying no is difficult—especially for women. We are natural nurturers, often taking on more than we should to support others, lighten workloads, and avoid disappointing those around us. And then, of course, there’s guilt.

Chelsea addressed this struggle directly, explaining that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. She put it simply: “Kind is clear.” The kindest thing you can do is communicate your expectations, intentions, and limits in a direct and thoughtful way. Saying no doesn’t mean letting people down—it means being honest about what you can take on. And, like any skill, “It’s a muscle you have to practice.”

Emily knew this all too well. At one point, she was saying yes to everything—taking on every task, every favour, every extra responsibility. Reality hit hard: constantly overextending herself wasn’t a sign of dedication, it was a fast track to burnout. Now, she’s learned that setting limits isn’t about doing less—it’s about making sure she can keep doing the work she loves without running herself into the ground.

The reality is, a burnt-out archaeologist isn’t making history—they’re just surviving. Setting boundaries isn’t about doing less—it’s about making sure you can keep doing what you love without it consuming you.

Mental health in archaeology is changing 

How social media is breaking the silence

For Holly, the way mental health is talked about in archaeology is drastically different from when she started her career. She recalled growing up in a generation where mental health wasn’t recognized—struggles were often ignored, and support was rarely available. 

Chelsea highlighted how social media has played a key role in breaking this silence. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have allowed people to share their struggles, connect with others, and see that they’re not alone. A powerful example Margarita shared is #DiggingWhileDepressed, a hashtag that started when archaeologist Dr. Alex Fitzpatrick, while recovering from an injury, shared her experience with isolation and its impact on her mental health. To her surprise, archaeologists from all around the world began sharing their own struggles, revealing just how widespread mental health challenges are in the field.

Mental health services for support  

While social media has sparked important discussions, access to mental health services remains just as vital. For Emily, that support made all the difference. During a particularly difficult time, she turned to an employee assistance service—one that ultimately kept her in the industry. More than just a resource, it was a turning point that reminded her she was a valuable individual in archaeology, even when the weight of the job made it easy to forget.

What happens when fieldwork and motherhood collide?

One of the most pressing audience questions asked how women in archaeology can manage their careers alongside major life decisions, like starting a family.

It’s a tough situation, and one that disproportionately impacts women. Unlike other professions, archaeology isn’t remote-friendly—unless you count being remote on a mountain. Many field roles require being physically present, making it difficult to balance work with major life changes. As a result, it’s often women who face the career consequences—stepping away for caregiving, struggling to return to the field, or in some cases, leaving entirely. Emily acknowledged that while she was fortunate to have an employer who supported her, she has also seen women walk away from archaeology entirely because they couldn’t find a sustainable way to continue.

But it’s not all bad. Change is happening. Chelsea shared how she worked closely with one of her junior archaeologists who had a baby, ensuring she had financial stability while on leave, supporting her during that transition, and—most importantly—helping her plan a path back into the industry.

Building a support system that lasts

The conversation around mental health in archaeology has come a long way, and that progress matters. More people are speaking up, breaking the silence, and creating space for open and honest conversations. But finding the right support can still be a challenge. If you’re struggling in the field or just need someone who truly gets it, know that you’re not alone. We’re here, and we’re listening.

At The Fair Field Foundation, we’re committed to providing meaningful support. Through our Mentorship Program, we connect women and marginalized folks in archaeology with experienced mentors who understand the unique challenges of the field. Whether you need career advice, mental health resources, or just a trusted voice to lean on, we’re here to help you find your way forward.