In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Mental Health in Tech, we’re joined by developer, entrepreneur, and educator Saron Yitbarek. Saron opens up about her experience living with bipolar disorder, confronting the fear that her manic highs were tied to her creativity and identity, and the emotional journey toward accepting medication and treatment.

“I was scared that if I took medication, it would cure the parts of me I actually liked. What would be left of me?” - Saron Yitbarek

We explore the intersection of mental health and self-worth, how the tech industry’s culture can complicate healing, and what it means to be whole, even when some of the traits we cherish come from places of pain. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has wrestled with internalized stigma, self-doubt, or the myth of productivity equaling value.

Take care of yourself while listening. We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.

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Photo by Bagus Renaldy on Unsplash

In this episode of "Mental Health in Tech," Geoff Graham, alongside hosts Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter, delves into the complexities of content creation in the age of AI, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining quality and authenticity in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Geoff shares his personal and professional journey, marked by the emotional impact of the CSS-Tricks acquisition by DigitalOcean, his subsequent layoff, and the ensuing mental health struggles.

Geoff's story is one of resilience. When CSS-Tricks, a beloved web development resource, was acquired by DigitalOcean, a turbulent period began in his career. The subsequent layoffs not only stripped him of a job he loved but also triggered a profound identity crisis. Like many in tech, Geoff had poured his heart and soul into his work, only to have it pulled away abruptly. This loss led to a period of deep self-reflection, where he questioned his place in the industry and his true passions.

Through candid discussions, he explores how these experiences led him to rediscover his passion for writing, teaching, and the ongoing efforts to revive CSS-Tricks and the importance of community in the web development world.

Take care of yourself while listening. We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.

Links

* Geoff Graham on LinkedIn

* Geoff Graham’s Personal Blog

* TheBasics.dev

* CSS Tricks

* Mental Illness Happy Hour Podcast

* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

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