Programming is awesome...

Here are my slides from the talk I gave at Staffs Web Meetup, about Depression & Anxiety.

1. Depression & Anxiety
2. – said no programmer ever... “Programming is awesome.”
3. It's ok to feel sad. You're not alone.
4. Who even are you? • I work for Blue Bay Travel • I've been programming since I was seven • Tabs evangelist • Currently working on Anorak & Cachet
8. Firstly, why does programming suck? 1. A bajillion new tools are created every day. 2. You spend a lot of time alone, just you and your mind. 3. Battling constant errors/problems can make you feel unworthy as a developer.
9. What causes it? • Imposter syndrome • "Real programmer" syndrome • Keeping a lot of information in your head at any given time • Distractions • Feeling like you can't keep up
11. How do you keep up?
12. The truth is... You don't.
13. Ok, I lied, you do... • Our jobs are constantly evolving, we spend a lot of time learning. • Don't panic when new technology is released. • Keep using the tools you have, until your ready to spend time learning at your own speed.
14. We see a lot of success stories
15. And not a lot of failures!
16. Not everyone makes Facebook or Snapchat.
17. Let's get serious. • More people need to talk about this issue. • Geeks Mental Help week was on October 27th. @geekmentalhelp • "I don't want to talk about it" is not an excuse.
18. Aside from that? • Take up a hobby. • Go running, cycling, canoeing, dog walking. • Enjoy a holiday. • Relax. • Talk to someone.
19. Thanks :) @jbrooksuk james-brooks.uk