Mental Health and Wellbeing
Supporting the wellbeing of our developer community across Australia.
You are not alone - let's keep the conversation open and kind.
Why Mental Health Matters
Being a developer can be rewarding, creative, and challenging all at once. The nature of tech work - constant change, long hours, and remote environments - can make it difficult to switch off or stay connected.
- Pressure to stay current with new frameworks and tools
- Isolation from remote or solo work
- Imposter syndrome or perfectionism
- Stress and burnout from heavy workloads
If You Need Support
These Australian services offer free and confidential help:
- Lifeline - 13 11 14 - lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 - beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Callback Service - 1300 659 467 - suicidecallbackservice.org.au
- MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78 - mensline.org.au
- Head to Health - headtohealth.gov.au
If you're in immediate danger, please call 000.
Looking After Yourself
- Take regular breaks - stretch, breathe, and rest your eyes.
- Keep healthy boundaries between work and downtime.
- Reach out to peers or the Ruby community for support.
- Attend meetups or events to stay socially connected.
- Remember: rest and recovery are part of productivity.
Supporting Each Other
Ruby Australia is built on kindness, respect, and inclusivity. If you notice someone struggling, reach out - even a simple “R U OK?” can make a difference.
Event organisers and team leads can help by:
- Encouraging open conversations about wellbeing
- Creating low-pressure, welcoming spaces
- Maintaining a safe environment (see our Code of Conduct)
Useful Resources
- Black Dog Institute - workplace mental health and research
- MindSpot - free online mental health clinic
- Safe Work Australia - resources for managing psychosocial risks
- R U OK? - how to start supportive conversations
- Big Feels Club - provides shared stories and experiences for people who have done 'all the right things' but still feel stuck.
Get Involved
We're working to make mental health awareness part of everyday Ruby community life. If you'd like to help - by sharing a story, running a wellbeing session, or suggesting new resources - we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Ruby AUThis page is for community awareness only and is not a substitute for professional help. If you're concerned about your mental health, please seek support from a qualified health professional. Talk to your GP.