In this talk, Ed Finkler, founder of Open Sourcing Mental Illness (OSMI) and 25 year web dev vet, will share his personal journey as a successful developer with mental health struggles and discuss the impact of mental health issues in the developer community. He will also explore practical steps that individuals and organizations can take to prioritize mental health and support those affected. By attending this talk, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by developers with mental health issues and learn practical ways to support themselves and others in the tech community.
Talk Outline:
Introduction
Ed's personal journey as a successful developer with mental health struggles
The reality behind the façade of success
Mental Health Statistics
Global prevalence and impact
Increase in anxiety and depressive disorders
Economic cost
Treatment options and accessibility
Mental Health in the Tech Industry
Limited research available
OSMI's contributions
Mental Health in Tech survey results
Personal anecdotes from developers
What Can We Do as Individuals?
Prioritizing personal health
Refusing to sacrifice well-being for work
Learning how to help oneself and support others
Mental Health First Aid training
Knowing your rights with OSMI Handbooks
What Can Organizations Do?
Understanding the influence on employee health
Supporting employees with Mental Health First Aid
Knowing organizational responsibilities with OSMI Handbooks
Actively communicating the importance of mental health and well-being
Resources
Mental Health First Aid: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
OSMI Handbooks: osmihelp.org/resources
Conclusion and Q&A
Acknowledging the importance of mental health in the developer community
The role of individuals and organizations in promoting mental well-being
Contact information for Ed Finkler and OSMI