It is not something publicly discussed as much as it should be. I want to talk about entrepreneurs and mental health.

There are many books and articles about being an entrepreneur, how to target success, and the rewards of being your own boss.

Most fail to mention that being an entrepreneur entails psychological effects that must be recognised, acknowledged, and handled.

Entrepreneurs and Mental Health

There are many entrepreneurs worldwide who are admired and idolised. Their followers have seen their achievements and material success. What they probably haven’t seen is what they deal with, personally and psychologically, almost every day.

While Instagram and Facebook can convey images of fabulous lifestyles, things are not always as rosy as they seem.

As entrepreneurs, we are constantly thinking about how to make our business succeed. We are obsessed with what our business needs to grow and how to maintain that growth. We are consumed by thoughts of our customers’ needs, our employees’ welfare, and, of course, cash flow.

The thinking never stops because becoming successful is only one phase of our professional journey. Even on our way to that goal, we are planning for, or worrying about, how to maintain that success.

This constant thinking and the stress of running a business can mean that, despite appearances, an entrepreneur is living with depression and anxiety.

While the rewards can be tremendous, being an entrepreneur is not an easy career path. Like so much in business, success depends on finding balance.

Recognising Mental Health

Not all entrepreneurs experience mental health problems like this, of course, but the proportion who do not is very small.

Qualities that can make a successful entrepreneur can also contribute to the psychological toll. For example:

Determination – Entrepreneurs have a strong determination to succeed. You may question what this has to do with entrepreneurs and mental health. Well, it means that you push yourself to achieve. Putting in your best requires a lot of thinking and a lot of action. Entrepreneurs do this every day of their life, to ensure that their business maintains steady growth. This amount of pressure can quickly become stress and trigger anxiety.

Leadership – Usually, the entrepreneur is the brains behind the business. They are the ones that people look to for leadership and for reassurance that all is well. Even when supported by committed and talented team members and a loving family, this responsibility can become stressful. While they must appear confident and unflappable to staff, customers, and investors, behind the scenes, they carry the weight of this responsibility. They still dedicate an immense amount of their time and energy to the work of the business. Continuous stress levels like this affect you psychologically and can lead to depression.

Focus – Due to their passion and commitment to ensuring their business succeeds, entrepreneurs focus entirely on their business. This is deemed necessary and often heralded as a positive way to act. However, more time at work means less time at home. This pressure can cost entrepreneurs friends and even family due to a lack of communication and a lack of time. It also means less downtime; less time to unwind, relax, and enjoy yourself. Pressure without relief and the loss of a support circle contribute to mental health problems and remove some of the potential for help.

Recognise the Signs of Mental Health Problems

It is often difficult for entrepreneurs to recognise any psychological effects they may be going through or come to terms with them.

Some common mental health symptoms are:

• Poor sleep
• Lack of appetite
• Mood swings
• The need to stay secluded
• Negative mindset

Do you frequently experience any of these? If the answer is yes, you may need to seek support.

Speak Out

Entrepreneurs hate to admit weakness. We must remove the stigma that experiencing mental health problems is a weakness and something that must be hidden.

Recognising, acknowledging, and seeking support for mental health issues is the only way to tackle them. If you are struggling, you must speak up.

In many walks of life, people are now talking openly and positively about their own experiences. This helps remove the stigma. Importantly, it also allows others to identify with the issues and see that assistance is available and can help.

If you are an entrepreneur and mental health issues affect you, do not be afraid to speak up, share your story and seek the help you need.

For more information about mental health and wellbeing, contact Mind.