Mental health struggles

I could really use some advice. I feel anxious constantly. I’m single by choice and have been in tech for six to seven years. I did undergrad and my master’s at an engineering school, so male-dominated spaces aren’t new to me, but this past year feels different and worse.

The layoffs and quarterly fear about job security are exhausting. When I try to vent at work, people sometimes suggest I get married for support, which is absurd. When I go on Reddit or Blind for market insight or advice, I’m hit with anti-immigrant rhetoric and people blaming DEI. There are posts from people unemployed for months or years, or accusations that Indian, Chinese, or women managers play favorites. If I show any empathy, I get piled on. If they realize I’m a woman, it gets worse.

With AI, there’s zero clarity. On Substack or LinkedIn, people confidently share completely opposite takes on the same tools. Some predict mass job loss, others say it’s fine. Almost no one discusses ethics or environmental impact.

Even expressing support for Palestine, Ukraine, undocumented immigrants, or unions feels risky. It gets dismissed as political or disruptive.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s just my algorithm. I try to protect my mental health and talk to the few other women on adjacent teams. They’re worried too, but many have partners or kids and feel forced to prioritize job security above all else. I do too, to an extent. I also wonder if the last presidential term felt this intense, or if I’ve just forgotten.

I feel like I’m drowning. There’s no shortage of things to worry about. Burnout feels close, yet I’m young and still feel pressure to prove I belong on a team full of men. How do I cope? Are there groups or practical steps that could help? I’d love to hear from other women, feel some validation, and get advice. I used to have a mentor who was a strong manager and helped me grow, but she recently changed jobs. Since then, I’ve felt lost.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​