Under the Hoodie: Mental Health in Cybersecurity – Where to Get Help

In Episode #20 of the InfoSec to Insanity podcast, we stripped away the bullshit and got real about the mental health crisis in cybersecurity. The industry is full of brilliant minds, but too many of us are struggling under the weight of long hours, constant pressure, and an “always on” culture that leaves little room for self-care. Matt and I were joined by Steve Shelton, CEO and Founder of Green Shoe Consulting.

It’s time we stop pretending that burnout, anxiety, and depression are just “part of the job.” They’re not. And if we want to fix this broken industry, we have to start by taking care of our own.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and there are places you can turn for help. Whether you need peer support, professional counseling, or just someone to talk to, here are some resources that can make a difference.

Industry-Specific Mental Health Support

The cybersecurity world is finally waking up to the fact that our mental health matters. These organizations offer support made for people in our field:

🔹 Mental Health Hackers

A nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness in the cybersecurity community. They provide resources, workshops, and conference support to help break the stigma.

🔹 CyberMindz

Focused on helping cybersecurity professionals build mental resilience through structured programs and support.

🔹 The Human Element Report

This study dives deep into the mental health struggles within cybersecurity and offers strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Professional Mental Health Support

Sometimes, we need more than peer support—we need professional help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, these platforms connect you with trained mental health professionals:

🔹 Open Path Collective

Affordable therapy for those without insurance or with limited financial resources.

🔹 BetterHelp

Online therapy with licensed professionals, available via text, video, or phone.

🔹 Talkspace

A flexible online therapy platform with licensed therapists available for remote sessions.

Crisis & Immediate Help

If you’re in crisis, please reach out—help is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

🔹 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)

📞 Dial 988 for 24/7 confidential support.

🔹 Crisis Text Line

📱 Text HOME to 741741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor.

🔹 Samaritans (UK)

📞 Call 116 123 for 24/7 support.

🔹 Lifeline International

🌍 A global directory of crisis helplines—help is available no matter where you are.

Community & Peer Support

Talking to others who get it can make a huge difference. Cybersecurity is full of high-pressure situations, but you don’t have to face them alone.

🔹 DefCon Mental Health Village

A conference-based initiative focused on mental well-being in cybersecurity.

🔹 Cybersecurity Support Slack & Discord Groups

Some professionals have created private support groups for mental health discussions—check out InfoSec Exchange for places to connect.

🔹 Reddit Communities

  • r/cybersecurity – Industry talk, but also mental health discussions.
  • r/depression – General mental health support from others who understand.

Workplace & Employer Support

Your job should not be a source of constant anxiety. If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), use it—these programs provide free, confidential counseling. And if your company isn’t taking mental health seriously, call them out on it. We need real change.

Final Thoughts: You Matter More Than the Job

Cybersecurity is a career, not a life sentence—and no job is worth sacrificing your well-being. If you’re struggling, reach out. Talk to a friend, a therapist, a peer—someone.

The industry needs you, but you need to be okay first. Let’s take care of ourselves, take care of each other, and finally start fixing the broken culture in cybersecurity.

💙 If this post resonates with you, share it—someone out there needs to hear it.

📺 Watch the full discussion on mental health in cybersecurity here:

🎙️ Episode #20 – Under the Hoodie: Mental Health in InfoSec

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