GOTO is a vendor independent international software development conference with more that 90 top speaker and 1300 attendees. The conference cover topics such as .Net, Java, Open Source, Agile, Architecture and Design, Web, Cloud, New Languages and Processes

Presentation: "Stress and depression - a taboo in our time"

Track: Solution Track - Tuesday / Time: Tuesday 14:40 - 15:30 / Location: 2nd Floor Balcony, Musikhuset

Stress and stress-induced depression hit many knowledge workers, and yet it is still a taboo.

“I am stressed” has become something we hear everyday, 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 do not talk about it. We feel awkward when people are stressed or come back from sick leave. We try not to talk about it. It is so much easier with a broken leg; we can carry stuff for them, hold the door, get coffee etc., but what do we do with a person with stress?

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; the way we can make it okay to say “I need help?”.

In this talk I will discuss the taboo as well as come with tips and trick to prevent it.

 

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Gitte Klitgaard Hansen

Gitte Klitgaard Hansen

Biography: Gitte Klitgaard Hansen

Gitte Klitgaard is an Agile Coach, Pirate, Dragon Lady, Hugger (she offers free hugs to all), friend, and much more. She is agile; live it and love it. She has taken the oath of non-allegiance. Gitte has more than 10 years experience in different aspects of software development and is currently working with Agile and people. She wants to make the world a better place, and to change the world by helping people in their work life. She is a geek and very passionate about a lot of stuff :)

Twitter: @nativewired