How to Conquer Anxiety and Depression as a Tech Worker

Conquering Anxiety and Depression as a Tech Worker?

Let’s face the truth that we all want money. And we want to build the next big tech solution. Or at least be a part of a great team. Hence the reason we put in endless hours of consistent work and sacrifice to be better than we are.

But what do we do when we fall victim to Anxiety and Depression? This situation could be because of deadlines, long hours of work, toxic work environment, ambition, stress, and other factors.

Of a truth, most techies seem to have gleaming appearances and enviable lifestyles. However, the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA), reports that we techies are five times more likely to suffer from a mental health problem than the general population.

Imagine a typical day for a techie which entails sitting down in front of a computer all day solving complex problems, and attempting to meet deliverables. At the same time, he is keeping up with current advancements and trends in the tech industry.

These daily activities can be stressful and lead to anxiety and depression.

The truth must however be told; that we are responsible for our mental health and therefore must be intentional about it, whether as a remote worker or from the traditional office space.

Early Warning Signs of Anxiety and Depression

It doesn’t take too long to sink deep into depression if you don’t pay attention to some early warning signs such as;

1. Eating or sleeping too much or too little.
2. Pulling away from people and activities you once enjoyed.
3. Having low or no energy for things that matters.
4. Feeling helpless or hopeless.
5. Incessant drug abuse.
6. Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, scared, or irritated.
7. Experiencing severe mood swings that hurts your relationships.
8. Thinking of harming yourself or others.
9. Inability to perform daily tasks you once enjoyed doing.

You too can Deal with Anxiety and Depression as a Tech Worker

Let’s face the fact that this problem might continue to exist in the Tech ecosystem for as long as we must continue to push the limit of technology and create long lasting solutions.

We must also accept that Tech workers are not superhumans, but we are like every other human, except that we are more active in the Tech space. 

Let’s explore some things that can be done to make this beast of depression and anxiety a slave, not a master.

7 Tips for Maintaining Positive Mental Health

Some of the tips recommended for maintaining positive mental health are below listed:

1. Get professional help if you need it.
2. Connecting with others and having enough fun.
3. Staying positive in all your endeavours.
4. Getting physically active in exercise and other outdoor activities.
5. Helping others who might not be able to help you in return.
6. Getting enough sleep, at least 5 hours at night and 2 during the day.
7. Developing coping skills by learning and practising.

Let’s talk more about this beast of anxiety and depression in a future post…

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