Stress and stress-induced depression hit many knowledge workers, and yet it is still a taboo. In this talk I will discuss the taboo and explore why it hits knowledge workers so often, as well as offer several tips and tricks to prevent it.

“I am stressed” has become something we say every day, and it has almost become prestigious to say so; it shows that we are busy, important people. On the other hand it is a bit embarrassing to be really stressed and not being able to handle it.

The sad thing is that when it comes to the people who are really stressed we don’t hear it. We do not see it; we try not to talk about it. We feel awkward when people are stressed or come back from sick leave. It is so much easier with a broken leg -- we can carry stuff for them, hold the door, get them coffee, etc. -- but what do we do for a person with stress?

This talk is about my journey, and about what you can do to help yourself and others. I have been sick with stress and it took nine months to come back. It was the second time and it had to hit me hard before I took it seriously. I believe strongly in taking openly about stress and depression. It is the only way we can learn from it, and the way we can make it okay to say “I need help”.