I just listened to this anonymous TED talk http://adbl.co/2qH5eGi about how mental illness is rife in Silicon Valley and how technology products actually make it worse and SV is doing nothing about it. Sounds like a 1% non-problem to me. Is it really a thing?
Questions
Is Sad in Silicon Valley really a thing?
4 answers from the community
D· May 12, 2017
<p>Yes, it's a real thing.</p>
<p>Mental health issues are not unique to tech, but they are prevalent. The primary issue is that mental illnesses are still largely stigmatized and perceived as a weakness. The pressures of running a company, along with an unhealthy need to disguise your illness just amplify the underlying issues.</p>
<p>It's hard to see it, so I can understand your question, but don't underestimate the shear number of people who are struggling from it.</p>
A· Jun 8, 2017
1 in 4 people struggle with mental health issues. It is a very real thing. I help link professionals to mental health/addiction resources in the community. There are many people in this boat.
Sklindt@constellationbh.com
A· Jun 12, 2017
It's a massive problem ... founders commit suicide every year. Having the hopes and dreams of your staff and shareholders riding on your shoulders is not for everyone; in fact not for most people. Silicon Valley is an echo chamber of huge speculative bets and a high proportion of failures. The VCs and angels are still driving home every day in their new Tesla's whether or not you are busy having a panic attack or not. Their balls aren't on the line. Yours are.
A· Feb 19, 2018
I don't think that was what the podcast was saying... he thought technology could help and that the therapy he received initially was what made things worse (or at least not better).