Demand for employees in the Information Technology (IT) & Cyber Security industry has been growing for the last couple of decades. With the technological advancements and the demand for skilled professionals, the industry has been expanding rapidly, offering new opportunities and benefits to those who work in it. However, like any profession, there are downsides to working in IT, and one of the most significant downsides is its impact on mental health.

a man is hiding his face behind a computer case

In this post, we will explore the various reasons why working in IT can be harmful to mental health and what can be done to mitigate these negative effects.

a black and white photo of a clock tower High-stress levels

The IT industry is notoriously known for its high-stress levels. The pressure to meet deadlines, fix issues, maintain systems and secure networks can be overwhelming, leading to burnout and other mental health problems. In addition, IT professionals often work long hours, which can exacerbate stress and cause further mental strain.

a black and white photo of a clock tower Isolation and loneliness

Many IT jobs involve working alone or remotely, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can be especially true for those who work in more technical roles, where they may not have much interaction with others outside of their immediate team.

a black and white photo of a clock tower Lack of work-life balance

Due to the high-pressure nature of the IT industry, many professionals find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Long hours, tight deadlines, and a constant need to be “on call” can lead to a lack of rest and recovery, making it harder to cope with the demands of the job.

a black and white photo of a clock tower Constant change

The IT industry is continuously evolving, and IT professionals must keep up with the latest technologies and trends to remain relevant. This constant change can be exhausting and can lead to a feeling of never being able to catch up, leading to stress and anxiety.

a black and white photo of a clock tower Lack of recognition

IT professionals often work behind the scenes, and their efforts may go unnoticed by their colleagues or customers. This lack of recognition can lead to feelings of inadequacy or unappreciation, further exacerbating mental health issues.

a pixeled image of a man with glasses Imposter Syndrome

This is another mental health challenge that can affect IT professionals. It is a feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, or inadequacy, despite evidence of success, expertise, or qualification. Many IT professionals, especially those who are new to the industry, experience imposter syndrome.

So, what can be done to mitigate these negative effects?

a black and white photo of a clock tower Prioritise mental health

Employers must prioritise the mental health of their employees. This can include offering mental health benefits, providing resources for stress management, and promoting work-life balance.

a black and white photo of a clock tower Encourage collaboration

Encouraging collaboration between IT professionals and other departments can help combat feelings of isolation and promote teamwork. For solopreneurs like ourselves, join educational forums like The Association of Network Managers in Education or Edugeek – there’s always a friendly person to help you through any issues.

a black and white photo of a clock tower Provide opportunities for training and development

Providing IT professionals with training and development opportunities can help them keep up with the latest technologies and feel more confident in their roles. Everyday is a school day in this field and there is always something to learn.

a black and white photo of a clock towerShow appreciation and recognition

Employers should take the time to recognise the efforts of their IT professionals and show appreciation for their hard work. A simple thank you goes a long way and makes people smile and feel appreciated. IT professionals should take the time to celebrate their successes, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrating successes can help build confidence and combat feelings of inadequacy.

a black and white photo of a clock tower Practice self-care

Practicing self-care is essential for IT professionals’ mental health, including getting enough sleep, eating well and engaging in physical activities

Please note, this is not professional advice. It’s just our opinion based on the number of years we’ve spent working in IT. Don’t take medical advice from random folk on the internet!

For professional help, we recommend the following:

a hand clicking the word help

NHS Mental Health Services: You can access NHS mental health services through your GP or by contacting your local NHS mental health service.

Mind: You can contact Mind’s Infoline for information and advice on 0300 123 3393 or visit their website at https://www.mind.org.uk/

Samaritans: You can contact Samaritans 24/7 by calling 116 123 or visiting their website at https://www.samaritans.org/

CALM: You can contact CALM’s helpline on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight) or use their webchat service (5pm-midnight) at https://www.thecalmzone.net/

YoungMinds: You can contact YoungMinds’ Parents Helpline for advice and support on 0808 802 5544 (9.30am-4pm, Mon-Fri) or visit their website at https://youngminds.org.uk/

The Mix: You can contact The Mix’s helpline for support on 0808 808 4994 (2pm-11pm, daily), use their webchat service (2pm-11pm, daily) at https://www.themix.org.uk/, or visit their website at https://www.themix.org.uk/