Mental health resources for engineers

After years in engineering leadership, I've compiled a list of mental health resources that have helped me and my teams. Mental health is just as important as code quality, and there's no shame in seeking help.

Professional Resources

Therapy and Counseling

• BetterHelp, Talkspace (online therapy)
• Local therapists (in-person)
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Psychology Today directory

Crisis Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• International Association for Suicide Prevention

Self-Help Tools

Apps

• Headspace (meditation)
• Calm (sleep and meditation)
• Mood Meter (emotion tracking)
• Daylio (mood journaling)

Books

• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
• "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb
• "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris

Community Support

• Engineering support groups
• Mental health in tech communities
• Peer support networks
• Online forums (with caution)

Workplace Resources

What to Look For:

• Mental health benefits
• EAP programs
• Flexible schedules
• Mental health days
• Supportive culture

What to Ask For:

• Mental health coverage
• Therapy reimbursement
• Flexible work arrangements
• Reduced workload when needed

Self-Care Practices

• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Healthy eating
• Social connections
• Hobbies and interests
• Time in nature
• Mindfulness practices

When to Seek Help

Consider professional help if you experience:

• Persistent sadness or anxiety
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in activities
• Thoughts of self-harm

Breaking the Stigma

Talking about mental health normalizes it. As leaders, we can:

• Share our own experiences
• Create safe spaces for discussion
• Provide resources and support
• Model healthy behavior

"Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

Your mental health matters. Don't hesitate to reach out for support.