Mental Illness and Vulnerability in Tech

This talk is the result of three years’ worth of interviews with individuals in the tech sector struggling with mental health (mhit.org). It contains a range of personal insights for those looking to navigate the world of tech, and for managers seeking to better support their teams.

However, perhaps more critically, it makes an outcome-driven case for prioritizing mental health - one that goes beyond relying purely on empathy and compassion alone.

Learning Objectives that the attendees will gain.

- Recognize the hidden prevalence of mental health struggles in tech and understand why many people remain silent.
- Identify common workplace patterns that worsen mental health, including stigma, poor management responses, unrealistic expectations, isolation, and burnout culture.
- Understand the lived experience of mental illness in tech through insights gathered from interviews with individuals across the industry.
- Learn practical ways managers and teammates can respond supportively when someone discloses or shows signs of mental health challenges.
- Evaluate mental health as an organizational performance issue, not only a personal or moral concern, but one of retention, trust, and long-term team effectiveness.