UX Design & Mental Health
Do we even talk about UX Designers and their mental health?
Everything looks bold and beautiful until you talk to folks who go through all this but don’t speak up because we are supposed to have everything sorted, right?
Whenever I ask someone why they want to shift to design as a career, they say, “It’s cool! You get to be creative all day, make beautiful screens and solve user problems. It’s the best job out there!”
All you see and hear is happiness all over, don’t you? All you see everywhere are designers posting about working in big companies, super cool job changes, promotions or pursuing a degree in the field. Everything and everyone seems to be well. We are all under the impression that it’s all rosy — designing pixel-perfect screens, working in cool offices, brainstorming ideas and working on shiny new Macs because we are designers and we are cool!
But isn’t anyone going to talk about the flip side of this? Fatigue, burnout, and the numerous mental health issues that we all seem to have. The imposter syndrome, comparison to every other designer out there, insecurity issues… the list goes on and on.
Someone needs to talk about this right.
Why aren’t we?
UX designers are pivotal in creating intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly interfaces. Day in and day out, we churn out screens, decode user research, develop solutions, and repeatedly test them until they are perfect. This is for a person who has already established a career.
Speaking to plenty of entry-level designers and career transitioners, many are struggling to find jobs at the moment. They are worried about their portfolios and resumes and whether they are up to the mark of the industry. For many, their minds keep oscillating on whether they chose the right career and left a previous one or chose to pursue a design degree over some degree they were asked to pursue.
Adding to the above, the industry is also now oversaturated with too many designers and too few jobs. Many people are shifting to the field (it’s a good thing; I’m not denying it, but the quality has gone down). Blame it also on the state of the industry — many people are losing their jobs left and right, and startups are losing funding. The folks hunting for jobs are on such high levels of anxiety and depression; it’s sad.
So if a fresh designer is already going through the anxiety of finding jobs in this market, imagine what a seasoned professional must be feeling; the constant pressure to keep creating and churning out solutions while still holding onto their job. That is another level of stress. Phew!
For more on the above, this thread on Reddit’s r/uxdesign channel is pretty intriguing.
My Mental Health? It’s alright. I love my job!
Don’t lie to yourself. You can love your job but also be burnt out, have anxiety and maybe even depression. It could be as simple as becoming irritable and obnoxious with your friends, family or colleagues or even having a day when nothing works for you. (We’ve all been there).
Why do all these issues crop up? Let’s talk about it:
High Expectations and Constant Criticism
Pursuing perfection is a double-edged sword, leading to endless iterations based on subjective opinions and objective data. Businesses, clients, and stakeholders all share so many different ideas to the point where it can get overwhelming. Feedback, while necessary, can sometimes be delivered without regard for the designer’s effort and creativity, leading to feelings of inadequacy. All this leads to so much anxiety and overthinking, which in turn affects our work.
The Endless Cycle of Revision and Rejection
The iterative nature of design work means facing rejection more frequently than in many other professions, which can erode confidence over time. Imagine having to hear criticism daily and killing yourself to deliver what the folks think is the best. Finding the balance between creative integrity and client or stakeholder satisfaction is a constant battle that can lead to internal conflict and stress. Again, we have all been there. Let’s not lie; it can be painful.
Keeping Up with Rapid Technological Changes
The pressure to master new tools and technologies, alongside keeping up with the latest design trends, can lead to a perpetual state of learning and sometimes anxiety over falling behind. This “imposter syndrome” is expected, where designers doubt their skills and fear being exposed as fraud. And believe me, we all face it, and it’s not new. While learning and keeping yourself updated is new, it can get to the point of overwhelming stress where you work yourself and your health to death.
Workload and Deadlines
The classic “I am busy, do not disturb me” line. Unrealistic deadlines and an ever-growing workload are not just about long hours but also about the mental toll of sustained high stress levels. The lack of control over workload and the expectation to consistently deliver high-quality work can lead to chronic stress and burnout.
Isolation in Remote Work
The rise of remote work, while offering flexibility and, in some cases, better work-life balance for employees, can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the team and the broader organization. The absence of physical presence in a team can exacerbate misunderstandings and reduce the sense of belonging and support.
So, how does someone cope with all the stress of being a UX Designer?
While most of the above can be mitigated by some simple practices, some of them do need attention and have to be worked upon. Let’s see how we can do that, yeah?
Building Resilience to Criticism
Cultivating a growth mindset helps view criticism as a pathway to improvement rather than a personal attack. Establishing a feedback loop that encourages constructive criticism and facilitates understanding and growth. Do not take things too personally — the feedback or criticism you receive can help you go places. And if you feel the feedback/criticism doesn’t work for you, politely say so to the person and move on.
Time Management and Prioritization
Adopting work methodologies can help manage tasks more effectively, allowing flexibility in dealing with unexpected changes or feedback. Please keep track of your priorities and tackle them before moving on to other tasks. Also, learning to say no and negotiating deadlines will help you manage your workload and reduce your stress in the long run.
Professional Development and Support Networks
Regularly attending workshops, webinars, and conferences can provide fresh perspectives and reduce the feeling of stagnation. Finding mentorship opportunities within the organization or in the broader UX community can offer guidance and support.
Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Practices
Integrating mindfulness practices into the daily routine, such as meditation or yoga, can help manage stress and enhance focus. Creative outlets outside work, such as painting, writing, or playing an instrument, can provide a mental break and foster a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Along with the above, here are also some general ways you can maintain a work-life balance -
Set your Boundaries
Digital detoxing by setting specific times when work emails and messages are off-limits helps maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life. Designating a specific workspace, especially in remote work settings, can help mentally separate work from leisure time.
Get Out and Get Moving
Regular physical activity, even short walks or light exercises, can significantly impact mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Prioritizing sleep is crucial; sleep deprivation can severely impact mood, productivity, and overall mental health.
Seek Professional Help
If you feel you are struggling and need to talk to someone who doesn’t judge and provides you with timely support, seek therapy. We are all not supermen/women who have control of their minds, so please, talk to someone when you feel off. Take the day off if you feel you are doing okay. And if you are in a position to help, check in on your friends and colleagues. A “Hi, how are you?” can go a long way.
Let’s have this conversation more often.
Addressing mental health in the UX design community is not just about mitigating challenges; it’s about creating an environment where designers can thrive creatively and personally. We can foster a more supportive, productive, and innovative design community by acknowledging and addressing UX designers’ unique pressures. Remember, prioritizing mental health is not a luxury but a necessity for creative professions like UX design, where the well-being of the designer directly impacts the quality of their work and their overall life satisfaction.
If you want to chat more about a career in UX Design or mental health or are going through something and need to vent and talk about it, please do not hesitate to contact me on Instagram or LinkedIn. I am always available for a chat. I promise no judgment. A listening ear is what you will get. And if possible, advice :)
