[Linux-aus] bluehackers.org

[Arjen Lentz]

It started with Arjen doing the last lightning talk at OSDC 2008… a  
quick show of hands on who else had dealt with (or was dealing with)  
depression. Everybody had a look around, and thus knew that they  
weren’t alone. Afterwards, there was more positive feedback which  
continued over email in the days that followed. Someone suggested  
starting a group, and the same day bluehackers.org was born.

The objective of this initiative is to make visible that there are  
many fellow geeks among us who are intimately familiar with  
depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. It helps to know you’re not  
alone. And it’s not because we’re geeks, but because we’re human. The  
Australian BeyondBlue site is of course an excellent resource, but,  
because geeks have a specific work environment, there are also  
particular challenges in dealing with these issues, and that’s where  
we feel our group can help with additional insights, tips, and posts  
from others with experience.

Using the logo, we can also make the topic visible at meetings and  
conferences around the world, ensuring that indeed no geek need feel  
alone in this, or feel unsupported. They can simply look around and  
see. Anybody will be able to show their support and understanding, in  
a kind and non-intrusive manner.