Fostering Open Source Culture for Healthier Minds & Happier Devs

Given at GitHub Universe 2017 - this talk discusses my personal journey with mental health & how you can use open source methodologies to help support a healthier environment.

You can view this talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFu-s8wzlIw

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Transcript

1. OPEN SOURCE FOR HEALTHIER MINDS & HAPPIER DEVS
2. @RedRoxProjects You seem nice… follow me!
3. TRIGGER WARNINGS: DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, SELF HARM, SUICIDE
4. MANAGER OR TEAM LEAD OPEN SOURCE MAINTAINER OR REPOSITORY OWNER COMMUNITY LEADER OR VOLUNTEER @RedRoxProjects
5. @RedRoxProjects
6. GIVE CONTEXT PROVIDE EXAMPLES MINDFUL METHODS HOW YOU CAN HELP This talk will… @RedRoxProjects
7. Mental Health Stats
8. 1 in 5 @RedRoxProjects
9. 1 in 7 @RedRoxProjects
10. 50% @RedRoxProjects
11. 2000 2002 2012 2014 2016 2017 @RedRoxProjects First instances of suicidal thoughts First instance of self harm First visit to a Doctor about m y m ental health First round of therapy (Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT) Breakdown leading to change of m edication Stable BUT still learning My Mental Health Journey
12. anxious depressed paranoid happy confident bouncy @RedRoxProjects
13. anxious depressed paranoid happy confident bouncy @RedRoxProjects Medication Myths...
14. @RedRoxProjects Find it here... http://bit.ly/2yeFN1P My Blog Post
15. @RedRoxProjects Just read your blog. Very honest, very powerful. Hope you're good xx Thanks for your post Been a bit on the brink recently, helps a little. Especially to know someone as accomplished as you suffers like me I know this is super random but i just wanted to say thanks for that medium article. Takes some guts to write something like that so good job on doing it So much strength and courage to share something so personal with everyone really proud of you xxx
16. Be an Ally Empathy Understanding @RedRoxProjects
17. @RedRoxProjects The struggle is REAL
18. Hi Amy, Mona and I have been reading back through the discussion between you, Mona and Hubot, and the whole situation left us feeling very anxious. It took a bit of time for us to get our heads around why. @RedRoxProjects Oh erm Ok… What do you know about the situation? Why are you responding? Where has this come from? What did I do? Why are you feeling anxious… I’m the one who opened up… Did I do the wrong thing?
19. We can see it is a project you are very passionate about and while this has worked in the past, it has lead to some heated discussions recently. triggered! Wow that was a backhanded compliment :/ Was i really being that defensive? Weren’t we just debating? I’m confused *heart palpitations* @RedRoxProjects
20. We are concerned that us getting involved and imposing our way of doing things, even inadvertently, might lead to further disagreements and tensions between us and we don't want that. Imposing??? What is going on here? I thought we were working together to find what suits us all best... Might? -- you’re kind of suggesting it will… Do i have a choice - how do i voice how i feel? Do I even bother? @RedRoxProjects
21. We value our friendship with you and we do not believe it is worth risking it over this project. Do you really?? Am i being unreasonable? Is this because i told you about my mental health condition? I won’t do that again! Why couldn’t you talk to me in person… How is this all meant to sound? @RedRoxProjects Oh no… what does hubot think about me now? *ANgry cry*
22. @RedRoxProjects My Personal Coping Mechanisms I listen to music on days when I struggle to socialise with people around me I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques like thought diaries for assessing situations I play piano and write when I need a release When I am extroverted and when I can and feel comfortable I talk about my experience to help others Follow our efforts @mkoftech When I’m severely introverted I write, blog, or draw
23. 3 @RedRoxProjects
24. @RedRoxProjects 1 Talk Openly
25. @RedRoxProjects EMPATHY
26. @RedRoxProjects
27. @RedRoxProjects
28. @RedRoxProjects 1 2 Talk Openly Share Things
29. @RedRoxProjects
30. @RedRoxProjects If you have the ability to share EVERYTHING with EVERYONE - why aren’t you?
31. 1 2 3 @RedRoxProjects Talk Openly Share Things Remove Ambiguity
32. @RedRoxProjects
33. @RedRoxProjects + + + fine fine fine = = = sad/disappointed angry actually fine
34. @RedRoxProjects
35. CASE STUDY : GitHub Campus Experts @RedRoxProjects
36. 1 @RedRoxProjects We Talk Openly...
37. @RedRoxProjects 2 We Share Things...
38. @RedRoxProjects 3 We Remove Ambiguity...
39. @RedRoxProjects Speak to a Campus Expert at Universe!
40. Amy’s Dos & Don’ts @RedRoxProjects
41. @RedRoxProjects Don’t... • Ask people for labels or try to label people • Assume tone • Share conversations or info without explicit permission
42. @RedRoxProjects Do... • Give people the benefit of the doubt • Check your language & encourage others to do so too - especially descriptors • Offer your support as an ally
43. Amanda’s GitHub Repo @RedRoxProjects
44. @RedRoxProjects github.com/agelender/mental-health-resources
45. @RedRoxProjects CHALLENGES HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT 1. Being a subject of gossip 2. Alienation & awkwardness 3. Denied career advances 4. Communicating issues to team & management 5. Taking time off for wellbeing 6. Taking extended time off 7. Symptoms that impact workflow & productivity 1. Normalise conversations about mental health conditions 2. Be open about your own needs 3. Stop glamorizing over-working 4. Encourage taking time off 5. Seek out guidance within your company on management 6. Work together to find accommodations Lessons from Amanda’s workshop on Mental Health
46. @RedRoxProjects The most damaging phrase in the language is “We’ve always done it this way” Grace Hopper
47. @RedRoxProjects Together == Better
48. @RedRoxProjects Thank You