“The new oil is technology” I frequently hear that comment from many Nigerians, and there is some truth to it; Daily, the Nigerian tech industry thrives. According to Mary Beth Leonard, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Nigerian-based tech startups raised $1.7 billion in 2021.
Consider working as a data scientist or programmer in a tech company and making millions of dollars.
Omo e choke!
However, being a tech-bro or sis is not easy; imagine sitting for hours attempting to code, doing other tech-related tasks and even
VideoblocksYou’ve probably heard about the mental health concerns that tech professionals face and maybe you’ve even experienced them yourself.
Mental health issues in the workplace are an epidemic, and it’s not just caused by stress. Depression and anxiety are on the rise worldwide, and they’re showing up in workplaces everywhere.
Tech workers are probably some of the most anxious people in the world.
At any given moment, you are expected to be available for your job 24/7 and that’s not even considering the social expectation that you have to respond to emails within 30 minutes (or less).
It’s no surprise, then, that many tech workers suffer from anxiety or depression.
As per BIMA’s Tech Inclusivity & Diversity reports, 52 per cent of tech professionals have experienced anxiety or depression.
If you’re a tech worker who struggles with these issues, here are some quick tips for how to manage them:
Take Time Off From Work When Needed.
If you need a break from your job, don’t feel guilty about taking one! You’ll be more productive and more creative when you return to work if you take a break and recharge your batteries.
Go Outside!
Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, get some fresh air and see what the world has to offer.
Talk About Your Feelings With Someone You Trust
it could be a friend or family member, but you also might want to consider seeing a counsellor or therapist if this isn’t working for you.
Try Meditation Or Yoga
Both have been proven to help people relax and quiet down, which can aid in the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms.
Get social support from friends, family members, and coworkers.
Don’t isolate yourself find people who will listen without judgement when you need them most! Having someone to talk with can help reduce stress levels significantly over time because they’ll remind you of all the great things happening in your life (like seeing friends at happy hour or spending quality time with family).
Take Care Of Yourself.
You may find it hard to take time off when you’re working at a startup or in a place where everyone is expected to be available all the time. But taking care of yourself is very important.
You need time to recharge and rejuvenate so that you can perform at your peak when it counts.
Set Goals
Set goals for yourself that you can accomplish, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t reach them.
Keep Hydrated While Working Long Hours On Projects.
Staying hydrated while working is very important. Every tech worker must ensure they keep to this, therefore keep a bottle of water on your table.
Being properly hydrated is associated with better mental performance and cognition.
In conclusion, the advice offered above should help IT and technology workers deal with anxiety and depression, no matter the stage of their condition.
The best approach is to first try to identify what is causing you stress and then work on managing that stress in a healthy, constructive way. If your symptoms are interfering with your ability to do your job, remember that seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of both for yourself and your company. There’s no shame in taking care of yourself so that you may accomplish your best work.