The Curse of Stigma and the Big 4

Aren't all leaders or consultants detectives? As a veteran detective of the IT industry with over 50 years of experience, I have witnessed the distressing impact of mental health issues on professionals in this field. Despite the growing awareness of mental health in society at large, the IT industry is failing to solve this critical case., or even mention it. A 2016 survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the USA found that 51% of tech professionals have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, compared to 43% of the general population.

The Big 4 Gang: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, and Burnout

I have identified the four main culprits behind the mental health crisis in IT: anxiety, stress, depression, and burnout. The Big 4 gang is lurking in the shadows of the fast-paced, high-pressure nature of the IT industry. It's time to shine a light on these culprits and bring them to justice.

Suspect 1: Anxiety

IT professionals are fast paced, with tight deadlines, complex problems, and the relentless need to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies. This pressure cooker environment can lead to chronic anxiety, manifesting as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and even physical symptoms like headaches and stomach problems.

?Suspect 2: Stress

Stress is the constant companion of many IT professionals. The demands of the job, coupled with the pressure to perform at a high level, can take a severe toll on mental and physical health, including heart disease, digestive issues, and sleep disorders.

Suspect 3: Depression

Depression is the severe mental health cousin of stress that the working conditions of the IT industry can trigger. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and changes in sleep and appetite. Depression makes it challenging to function at work and in personal life.

Suspect 4: Burnout

Burnout is the major enforcer of the gang acting as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or depression IT professionals are particularly susceptible to burnout due to the demanding nature of their work. A mental health platform, Ginger, surveyed 50% of tech workers and found that 25% reported experiencing burnout multiple times.

The Role of the CIO in Defeating the Big 4

As the chief investigator of the IT department, the CIO plays a crucial role in solving the mental health crisis. Of course, sometimes, the CIO can be in cahoots with the gang, so here are six clues to look for when assessing your CIO's commitment to mental health:

1. Does your CIO openly discuss mental health and its impact on the team?
2. Does your CIO provide resources and support for employees struggling with mental health issues?
3. Does your CIO model healthy work-life balance and self-care?
4. Does your CIO create a culture of open communication and psychological safety?
5. Does your CIO prioritise employee well-being over short-term productivity?
6. Does your CIO freely admit to having and allowing one of the Big 4? (I do/did)

We need leaders willing to join the anti-BIG 4 war and prioritise the mental health of their teams. Training and peer commitment to aid the CIO are paramount to converting them into mental health champions.

AI: Friend or Foe of Mental Health Safety

As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in the IT industry, we must consider its impact on mental health. While AI has the potential to automate tedious tasks and free up time for more meaningful work, it can also exacerbate anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. The constant pressure to keep up with AI advancements can be overwhelming and lead to job insecurity.

We must approach AI with a balanced perspective and prioritise the well-being of IT professionals as we navigate this new frontier. Leaders must ensure their teams have the resources and support to adapt to the changing landscape without sacrificing their mental health.

The Call to Action to Defeat Stigma and Big 4

We can crack the case of the curse of mental health in IT. But it will take all of us working together to make it happen. We need to start by taking down Stigma, the gang leader of the Big 4 by following these steps:

• Start talking about mental health in your teams, sprints or workplace
• Add metrics on your Kanban or value stream boards to track mental health issues
• If you feel comfortable doing so, share your own experiences with mental health challenges (It's not easy)
• Encourage and campaign for mental health resources and support in your organisation
• Model healthy work-life balance and self-care practices based on training
• Support colleagues struggling with mental health issues by learning to observe people in trouble (look up the video by Norwich Football Club on mental health)
• Collaborate with mental health professionals to develop industry-specific resources and interventions

Post-notes

I have been a detective fan since I was four, reading and watching Batman, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christy's characters, and many more. I am not a mental health professional, but as IT professionals, we are skilled in detection and problem-solving. Shouldn't we use our abilities to help the people in IT (and your organisation)?

Together, we can remove mental health stigma in IT and create a more supportive and mentally healthy industry. The easiest way for you to join the Make IT Better team is to share posts on mental health in IT or, even better, create your own.

As always, your feedback is appreciated.

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