Mental Health in Free Software Communities
Communities online vary a great deal, but many are technical in nature, partly because they choose online presence, not personal (physical) presence, which deepens the problem. Depression and abuse seem rampant in some of these communities, with rules emerging that can cause more harm than they actually address. The "Code of Conduct" (CoC) is an example of an overused hammer.
Communities that lack direct, face-to-face engagement will inevitably lack nuance. Compassion is elusive and mediation is hard. Many people combat one another or "slag off" companies, potentially resulting in bans.
Communities meeting in person seems like a possible cure, but a lack of proximity makes the events logistically hard and expensive. Free software enthusiasts are typically not affluent and don't rack up "air miles".
In my personal experience, many people get burned out because they never get to meet other people, which begets isolation and a sense or "low worth". Jonathan Riddell’s conflict is a cautionary tale.
I am not sure what to suggest and it's way outside my profession, but clearly there is a subject that merits debate and it ought not be a taboo anymore. █
Image source: Homemade Pain Relieving Salve