It can be argued that ambitious people are the lifeblood of society, and who is more ambitious than an entrepreneur? These hardworking individuals face a slew of challenges, including socio-economic issues, the ever present threat of competition, and maintaining a work-life balance.
Of course, due to the amount of stress that entrepreneurs face, it should come as no surprise that 72% are affected, whether directly or indirectly, by mental health issues. It’s important to note that only 48% of non entrepreneurs face the same mental health issues. These problems include problems, such as chronic anxiety and burnout. Insomnia is also common.
Many people think of entrepreneurship as a pathway to their dream career, however it can be an incredibly daunting task. While so many entrepreneurs are facing these challenges each day, there is a true lack of discussion surrounding mental health and entrepreneurship. If so many entrepreneurs are experiencing and likely to report a mental health condition, then why is there such a struggle to talk about it?
For one thing, entrepreneurs often spend a great deal of time alone. While the old saying, ‘it’s lonely at the top’, may be true, it can also be very lonely on the way to success. Furthermore, last year’s pandemic created curfews, lockdowns, and forced zoom meetings, creating a major problem within the entrepreneurial sector. Loneliness is a commonly shared sentiment among those working for themselves or running a startup. This makes the ability to create solid relationships, both professional and personal, all the more important.
Entrepreneurs must find a way to begin normalizing mental health conversations. If everyone becomes more honest about their stress, anxiety, bad days, and burnouts, then people can begin feeling less alone and more resources can be allocated to deal with these issues.
Aside, from becoming available to our peers, we must be honest with ourselves. It’s always okay to struggle with difficult feelings, but it can be detrimental to avoid informing those around you that you’re having a hard time. Instead, entrepreneurs should begin making checking in with themselves a daily practice. If you’re feeling particularly low on a certain day, call a friend, or connect with a colleague. It may be surprising how forging a connection over such relatable topics can improve one’s mood.