Mental health challenges in the bay area tech industry are real for a wide variety of reasons. There's a bigger push in silicon valley for work life balance and mental health care than anywhere else I've been, but more people with serious issues there than anywhere else I've been as well.
Imposter syndrome is high among engineers of all levels of experience and ability. Engineering has it's own set of pressures. Then you add in all the other reasons people can feel stressed or pressured and all of the bay area specific reasons those things are amplified. It adds up.
You would be surprised how many brilliant and highly capable people have broken down. For anyone out there feeling like they are all alone - don't. Even if all the people around you seem happy and confident, I guarantee that a larger portion of them than you realize are struggling.
Imposter syndrome is high among engineers of all levels of experience and ability. Engineering has it's own set of pressures. Then you add in all the other reasons people can feel stressed or pressured and all of the bay area specific reasons those things are amplified. It adds up.
You would be surprised how many brilliant and highly capable people have broken down. For anyone out there feeling like they are all alone - don't. Even if all the people around you seem happy and confident, I guarantee that a larger portion of them than you realize are struggling.