Entrepreneurs & Mental Health - What, Why, and How, to Cope?
In this article, we address a problem that society has intentionally or unintentionally chosen to overlook for decades. In 2015, a viral article in Inc Magazine titled: The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship shed light on the issue. Two years prior, in 2013 an article in Business Insider about Faigy Mayer, who jumped from a rooftop bar and died, showcase the potentially detrimental connection between mental health and entrepreneurs.
Here we discuss ways to identify poor mental health and show how simple behavioral changes can combat the matters quickly and privately.
Let’s get started:
Based on a study from UC Berkeley 72% of entrepreneurs struggle with some type of mental health issue. Of that 30% had a history of other forms of mental-health related issues such as depression, substance abuse problems, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Signs of Deteriorating Mental Health
We’ve all heard rags to riches stories and many of us crave those same euphoric business achievements. Conversely, what we’re unaware of is the potential dark side of success. The loneliness, detachment, stress, health issues, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Even worse, extended work hours, unpredictable income, tax burdens, and family issues. There’s no shortage of challenges when trying to reach business success.
Signs of Poor Mental Health
Insomnia
Extreme emotional ups and down
Withdrawal from family activities
Rapid weight gain
Increase substance intake (alcohol and drugs)
Concentration difficulties
Feeling sad or empty
Lack of energy, fatigue
Thoughts of death or suicide
Delegation Mindset
As business owners, especially, women, we tend to think we’re superheroes and must do everything, work and family related. Comparatively, men think financially everything relies on them and they’re solely responsible.
In fact, just because your name is on the door doesn’t mean you have to do it all. According to Michael E. Gerber, if you’re doing it all technically you don’t have a business, you’ve just brought yourself a JOB!!! Correspondingly, you’re an employee suffering from an entrepreneurial seizure!
Stress Relief…
Firstly, for start-ups don’t throw all your eggs in one basket. Yep, you want skin in the game but don’t remove all the skin. Leave money in your nest egg for living expenses and to maintain your sanity.
Existing businesses should build a team. Teamwork makes the dream work! Hiring competent, qualified managers and employees are vital.
Profitable companies: when “The good times roll”, roll with it, but don’t spread the dough too thin. Remember to put some coins aside for rainy days, because it will rain, it always does. TRUTHFULLY, we don’t mind the rain when we’re armored with an umbrella, galoshes, or rain hat!
Relaxation and Recreation Ideas
Now since we’ve learned that we’re not superwoman or Ironman, it’s time to kickback and gets some” ME Time”!
Building a super gigantic business means you’ll have competition. Oddly, one of the most overlooked ways to compete is to de-stress and exercise mentally and physically.
Listed are a few more tips:
Start Yoga
Incorporate cardiovascular exercise
Take daily walks
Join a local meetup
Meet for Happy Hour (don’t get too happy😊)
Dance
Learn new forms of dancing
Take classes
Attend conferences
Vacation
Attend family events
Show up for kid’s activities
Learn a new skill
Resources
Crisis Text Line is a non-profit association that offers FREE confidential mental health services. Services are available 24/7, help is accessible via text messaging, text HOME to 741741. Availabilities throughout the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers education, support groups, and a Free hotline. They can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI.
Need support from a trained counselor, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Conclusion
Business ownership can take you down a lonely path. But there is more than one route to success. Get creative and social. Garner social support, even if it’s through online resources.
Hence you can network with others from around the world. Just know whatever you’re feeling chances are that millions of others are experiencing similar feelings.
Lastly, if your spirits began to drop, reach out and talk with someone. Better yet call or text one of the hotline numbers above. We’re all in this together!
