In all honesty I'm not sure I'd recommend you stay in development. You might want to explore possibilities in other fields.
I say this not because I know you, but because much of what you describe is "pretty normal" for this industry. And once you start doubting your self worth; once you need the recognition from others, well, let's say there's not much of that going around.
There's no shame in deciding its not for you, and exploring options in other fields which are more compatible with your needs.
He doesn’t work in “the technology industry” - ie companies whose profit center is technology. He (like most software developers including me) is just a corporate drone. Any company he works for or government he is going to have the same issues.
I say this not because I know you, but because much of what you describe is "pretty normal" for this industry. And once you start doubting your self worth; once you need the recognition from others, well, let's say there's not much of that going around.
There's no shame in deciding its not for you, and exploring options in other fields which are more compatible with your needs.