[andrewvc]

That's a sad story, and one that's too common in our industry. Mental health issues in software are sadly under-discussed.

If you feel like making a difference I'd recommend donating to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. They fund studies into mental health disorders, an area of science that is still only vaguely understood.

http://bbrfoundation.org/

[tsahyt]

They're probably not just under-discussed in software but in any industry, because they're under-discussed in society as a whole. I don't know about the US but I believe mentally ill people often refuse to seek help even after they recognized their condition simply because they realize they're "not normal", afraid to be put in the drawer labeled with "crazy guys".

I think though that mental illnesses are a lot more common than we realize, and to some degree society is actually breeding them. It's a very complex topic though, so take that as an opinion, not as facts or anything.

[rhizome]

I think it makes more sense as just another means by which business consumes workers. I know that sounds all profound and over-generalized crypto-Marxist, but if you look back upon history I think you'll see a consumption metaphor where business is basically treating workers as fungible, resisting healthcare benefits and other quality-of-life exchanges. Margins are to be applied to productivity, and the underling's health is not necessarily a primary concern where they can be replaced.