As a part of their continuous contributions back to the PHP community, php[architect] (the people behind the php[tek] conference) are hosting a special event one evening during this year's conference. The >Mental Health Summit is a joint effort between them and the work Engine Yard has done in the same area.

We are excited today to announce that, in conjunction with Engine Yard’s Prompt initiative we are going to be hosting a mental health summit at php[tek] 2014. Similar to the Mentorship Summit that we hosted last year, this will be an evening event we will be hosting for conference attendees featuring four speakers taking about 15 minutes each to speak together on a central topic. We will provide dinner just before and during the summit, and an open social time afterwards so that the conversation can continue.

The speakers at the summit are Ed Finkler, Greg Baugues, Ben Marks and Paddy Foran. Each will present some of their own experiences and thoughts around mental health, especially when it comes to development communities.

Mental health concerns are serious issues that affect a large percentage of the population and includes our community. It’s important that we become aware of the issues that are faced, to bring light to the problems that plague so many, and to perhaps even help those near us who are suffering quietly. Whether they realize it yet or not.