I’ve been trying to write this post since 2014. I’d seen a Tweet from Andy Clarke about Geek Mental Help Week. It’s week-long event that features articles, podcasts, and events addressing topics related to mental health issues in the tech industry. Long story short, I got scared and chickened out.

In 2015 I was introduced to the “Iceberg of Life” by Cory Miller. I was inspired that someone I admired was so transparent about their struggles. I thought I might be ready, but I was looking for a job, and was afraid that the stigma surrounding mental health would limit my opportunities. I chickened out again.

Since then I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how silence contributes to the stigma. I don’t want to contribute to that any more. So after two years of fear and silence, I’m finally ready. No more chickening out.