Code Calm: How Software Engineering and Mental Health Can Work Together

As a software engineer, you probably work long hours in front of a computer, pounding away at code while trying to meet deadlines or merely spending hours, possibly even days, debugging your own or someone else's code. This type of work can be mentally and emotionally draining, which can affect your overall well-being and your productivity.

In recent years, the issue of mental health in the workplace has gained more attention, especially in the tech industry. To get a better understanding of how companies are addressing mental health support for their employees, a survey by Blind, a platform that offers anonymous workplace chat, was conducted asking tech workers about their experiences.

Here is the results:

These results highlight the need for more attention to be paid to mental health in the tech industry. Shockingly, the vast majority of workers (97%) at T-Mobile reported that their company does not provide adequate support for their mental health. Similar reports were found from employees at Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Robinhood, and Tesla. It's clear that there is a significant gap in mental health support in the tech industry that needs to be addressed.

In software engineering, even small mistakes can have significant consequences. This can lead to stress, burnout, and other mental health issues. It's crucial to recognize the relationship between software engineering and mental health and take steps to ensure that we're taking care of ourselves while working in this field.

To combat the challenges of software engineering and prioritize our mental health, here are some practical tips to help us manage stress and stay calm while working:

Tips

When you're working on a tough problem, it's easy to get so caught up in the code that you forget to take a break. However, taking breaks is essential for keeping your mind fresh and reducing stress. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your breaks:

Tip #1: Take a break

• Step away from your computer. Go for a walk outside, stretch, or do some deep breathing exercises.
• Set a timer. If you're worried about taking too much time away from your work, set a timer for 10–15 minutes to remind you to take a break.
• Do something you enjoy. Whether it's reading a book, playing a game, or listening to music, find an activity that helps you relax and recharge.

Tip #2: Stay Positive

It's easy to get frustrated when you're debugging a tough problem, but a negative attitude will only make things worse. Try to stay positive and focus on the progress you've made so far.
Here are a few tips to help you stay positive:

• Celebrate small wins. Even if you haven't solved the problem yet, take a moment to celebrate any progress you've made.
• Remind yourself of your past successes. Think about other challenging problems you've solved in the past and remind yourself that you're capable of finding a solution.
• Surround yourself with positive people. If you're feeling down, talk to a colleague or friend who can offer encouragement and support.

Tip #3: Laugh It Off

Sometimes, the best way to deal with a frustrating bug is to laugh at it. Making a joke or finding the humor in the situation can help you relax and approach the problem with a fresh perspective.
Here are a few tips for finding the humor in your debugging problems:

• Give the bug a silly name. Naming the bug something like "The Gremlin" or "The Monster" can help you laugh at the problem and take some of the frustration out of it.
• Share your frustration with a colleague. Sometimes, commiserating with a colleague can help you both see the humor in the situation.
• Find a funny meme or joke about debugging. There are plenty of jokes and memes out there about the frustrations of debugging. Finding one that resonates with you can help you feel less alone in your frustration.

Tip #4: Practice Self-Care

Don't forget to take care of yourself. Stressful coding sessions can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Here are a few tips for practicing self-care:

• Get enough sleep (!!!) Lack of sleep can make you more prone to stress and frustration.
• Eat well. Eating a balanced diet can help you stay focused and energized.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood.

Tip #5: RUBBER DUCK!

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

My Favorite! The Rubber Duck technique. It's a great tool for any programmer to have in their toolkit.

The idea behind Rubber Duck Debugging is simple: when you're stuck on a problem, try explaining it out loud to a rubber duck. The act of articulating the problem out loud can often help you spot the solution or reveal a flaw in your thinking.

Here's how to try it:

Step 1: Get a Rubber Duck

The first step is to get yourself a rubber duck (or any other inanimate object will do). The duck is a passive listener and won't judge you, so you can freely explain your problem without feeling self-conscious.

Step 2: Explain Your Problem

Next, explain your problem to the duck as if it were a person. Describe the problem, what you've tried so far, and any error messages you're seeing. The act of explaining the problem out loud can help you see the problem from a different perspective.

Step 3: Listen to Your Own Explanation

As you're explaining the problem to the duck, listen to what you're saying. Does anything you're saying sound off or illogical? Sometimes, the act of saying things out loud can reveal flaws in your thinking or point you towards a solution.

Step 4: Repeat as Needed

If you're still stuck, repeat the process again. Often, just the act of going through the process can help you spot the solution or gain a new insight into the problem.
The Rubber Duck technique is a simple but powerful tool for any programmer to have in their toolkit. It can help you break through mental blocks and find solutions to even the toughest problems. Give it a try!

Conclusion

I hope that these tips have helped you find ways to stay calm and focused while working in software engineering. Remember, taking care of your mental health is essential, and there's no shame in taking a break or asking for help when you need it.
By taking small steps to manage your stress and promote mental well-being, you can not only improve your own work but also help create a more supportive and healthier workplace culture.

Stay healthy and HAPPY CODING!