Getting Honest About Mental Health - Paul Hayes @DevFest Switzerland 2018

Talk from DevFest Switzerland 2018

The tech sector is built on bright minds developing new solutions to create economic or social impact. This fast-paced industry has high stakes, which require people to meet even higher expectations. Many individuals within the sector — especially startup founders — have small teams (meaning each person serves in multiple roles), work long hours, second jobs or are still in school and constantly worry about "making it".
Many entrepreneurs are still not talking openly about their mental well-being. Mental health concerns in tech entrepreneurship are often referred to as "founder's blues." Between 2011 and 2017, founder's blues has contributed to a number of high-profile suicides in the startup world, including Aaron Swartz, co-founder of Reddit.
Researchers from the University of California found that 72% of entrepreneurs surveyed self-reported mental health concerns. And about 49% disclosed they deal with ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, addiction, depression or anxiety. These figures were described as “significantly higher” than non-entrepreneurs.
My talk aims to encourage people to start talking about mental health and be more open and honest. My talk aims to inspire the mentally ill to not give up on their dreams. My talk aims to give hope to those who desperately need hope.