May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, fight stigma, and recognize that mental well-being is essential to overall health. It’s not just about those in crisis or with a diagnosis—mental health affects us all, and like physical health, it needs regular care and support.
Though conversations around mental health have improved, many still find it easier to stay silent than speak up. Stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression often build quietly, affecting our work, relationships, and quality of life. That’s why it’s so important to normalize these discussions—both personally and professionally.
In the IT industry, where the pace is fast and problems complex, we’re often seen as adaptable and resilient. But being resilient doesn’t mean being unbreakable. Like any system, we need maintenance and the occasional reboot. Long hours, on-call stress, tight deadlines, and high expectations can lead to burnout—a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that drains our motivation and creativity.
So what can we do? Start with awareness. Regularly check in with yourself: Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or drained? Early recognition is key. Then take small, meaningful actions—set boundaries, take real breaks, step away from screens, and give yourself permission to slow down. Be kind to yourself.
Just as important: check in with others. A simple “How are you doing?” can make a big difference. You never know what someone is carrying. Fostering a culture where people feel safe to talk about mental health builds stronger, more connected teams.
Supporting mental health at work isn’t only about resources—it’s about empathy, flexibility, and trust. When people feel supported, they’re more engaged, productive, and likely to stay.
However, sometimes it is hard for us to identify how to support ourselves. We have been so trained to look after others and deal with responsibilities, that taking a moment to ourselves is almost foreign. That is ok. Get uncomfortable and feel into what it is that you need right now to support you. It could be a walk. It could be a great sleep. It may be a time with a friend. If you find yourself stuck, just try something…that will get you going in the right direction.
This month, let’s remember: we’re not just professionals—we’re people. And mental health isn’t a side issue—it’s central to how we live and work. Together, we can create a workplace where it’s okay to not be okay, and where no one struggles in silence.
Because in every system, the people behind the screens matter most.
