Mental Health in Development
summary
Development work increases risk factors like crunch, prolonged sitting, multitasking and isolation from freelancing — ABS data cited ~20,000 Australian freelancers (~10% of ICT) — and those pressures link to poorer mental health. Practical measures include workplace breakout spaces, team practices like RUOK and gratitude, and individual self‑care such as a guided mindfulness grounding exercise (demonstrated live to slow breathing). Technology aids include smartphone apps, sensors for heart rate variability to flag mood swings, and research tools like PsychoPy; low‑effort activities (adult colouring, naps) also help.
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chapters (16)
- 0:00Introduction
- 0:30Welcome
- 1:50Definition
- 3:08Why talk about it
- 4:05Good Mental Health
- 4:31Why is it Important
- 4:42Risks
- 9:51What can we do
- 10:18Selfcare
- 11:27Mindfulness
- 15:04Helping Others
- 16:50Workplaces
- 18:47Communities
- 19:40Technology
- 20:54Indirect Tools
- 21:34Sleeping Tigers
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