Skoop in short • PHP developer since the days of PHP 3 (over 20 years now) • Open source contributions: phpBB, Zend Framework, Symfony, etc • Usergroups and conferences: phpGG, PHPBenelux, PHPAmersfoort, PHP.FRL • A wife and two kids • My own company: Ingewikkeld & my own event: WeCamp • Radio and podcasting: KINK.nl and ByTheCampfire.net • I suffer from depressions
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. -- www.mentalhealth.gov
Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. -- www.who.int
Mental health statistics • 1 in 5 people struggle with their mental health (MHFA NL, 2016) • 1 in 4 people struggle with their mental health (NAMH, 2013) • 1 in 2 people in tech have sought treatment (Finkler, 2015)
How to recognize mental illness? • Lack of energy • Lack of self-esteem • Quickly irritated • Problems with concentration / focus • Speaking about death • … and so many more
Create the right environment for everyone • Make clear agreements on work times, but be flexible • Create an open, welcoming environment • Allow remote work • Listen to feedback • Try to prevent stress • Add structure to the work day / work week • Don’t make “perfect” the norm • Don’t put too much focus on alcohol
Communication is key • For managers: make clear agreements on expectations • Talk to each other • Don’t make jokes about: • Mental illness • Sexual preference • Looks • Other personal traits
Your own mental illness • Communication is key • Structure • Know your boundaries • Find help within the workplace • Find help outside of your workplace • Know your rights
Train your people • Each company should have a first aid responder for physical injuries and illnesses • Why not train at least one person in your company as a first aid responder for mental illness and mental crises? • Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ • The Netherlands: https://mhfa.nl/
Read the books • Guidelines for Mental Wellness in the Workplace • Guidelines for Executives and HR professionals • Guidelines for Employees • https://osmihelp.org/resources
More to check out • Nara Kasbergen – Empathy As A Service: https://youtu.be/5nq9aqe6vSw • Open Sourcing Mental Illness Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBF9RcJ2o56UYO3kBqdKlHg
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