Mental Health in Tech: Navigating Pressure in a Time of Rapid Change

The tech industry has long been driven by innovation, speed, and relentless ambition. But beneath the surface, there’s a growing undercurrent - declining mental health among tech professionals.

The rise of artificial intelligence has added another layer of complexity - introducing both powerful tools for mental health support and anxiety about job security and the future of work. So, how do we support mental well-being in an industry that never slows down?

This article explores some of the mental health challenges faced by tech professionals, the role AI plays in both helping and complicating the picture, and strategies - both personal and organisational - for building resilience in the face of disruption.

Mental Health Challenges in the Tech Industry

Working in tech often means navigating:

• High-pressure deadlines

• Long, unpredictable hours

• Rapid technological shifts

• Remote or isolated work environments

Burnout, anxiety, imposter syndrome, and depression are common among developers, product managers, and IT professionals. A culture of perfectionism and the “always-on” mindset can compound the issue.

The AI Dilemma

Artificial intelligence has become a double-edged sword in the tech workplace:

• On the positive side, AI tools are increasingly being used to help people recognise early signs of anxiety, burnout, and emotional distress. Some individuals use AI chatbots to talk through their thoughts or gain insight into how they're feeling - though it’s worth noting that while this can be helpful, it’s no replacement for professional diagnosis or care.

• On the negative side, AI is fuelling existential fears: “Will I still have a job in a few years?” “What if my skills become obsolete overnight?”

These aren’t just speculative concerns - they’re deeply emotional ones. While AI might not replace all jobs, it's fair to say it will transform many. Roles involving repetitive coding, testing, or basic design could be absorbed or heavily assisted by AI tools.

So, will AI replace jobs? Some, yes. But it will also create new roles in oversight, ethical usage, prompt engineering, and AI operations. The key is adaptability - not denial.

Still, the uncertainty alone can be mentally exhausting, especially for those already operating under stress.

Company-level initiatives for mental health

Many forward-thinking companies are beginning to take mental health seriously - not just as an employee perk, but as a necessity for retention, innovation, and team unity.

• Supportive Policies

• Mental health days

• Flexible work schedules

• Remote work accommodations

Many companies - including Revium - have implemented policies like these to give employees time to decompress and avoid burnout. The results are clear: higher retention rates, stronger engagement, and better collaboration across teams. It turns out, when people are mentally well, they work better - no surprises there.

Mental health training for managers

Teaching managers to recognise the signs of distress, and empowering employees to speak up without fear, can help shift workplace culture. When leaders know how to respond appropriately and compassionately, it builds psychological safety and trust across teams.

Personal strategies for tech professionals

Even with supportive company environments, individual action still matters.

• Build Resilience

• Practice mindfulness or meditation - even 10 minutes a day helps

• Journaling, exercise, and breathing techniques can help regulate stress

• Protect work-life boundaries

• Schedule non-negotiable breaks

• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode unapologetically

Ask for Help

Seeking a therapist or mental health professional isn’t a last resort - it’s a proactive step. You can start by speaking to your GP about your concerns and exploring options like mental health care plans and referrals to trusted professionals. Many therapists now offer flexible or virtual appointments that can fit around demanding tech schedules.

Toward a healthier tech culture

Companies must lead with empathy. Individuals must protect their energy. And the industry as a whole must embrace both humanity and productivity. Mental health in tech isn’t just an issue for certain individuals - it’s crucial for sustainable innovation.

As AI accelerates the pace of change, supporting mental resilience becomes even more essential.

Let’s make mental health a permanent feature of tech, not just a temporary fix during burnout season.

Whether you're in leadership or just starting out, mental health isn't a personal problem - it's a collective responsibility. Start the conversation. Make space for rest. Prioritise people.