Entrepreneurship Mental Health Stability: How to Stay Sane Running a Crazy Business
Entrepreneurship Mental Health Stability: How to Stay Sane Running a Crazy Business
There is a lot of discourse around mental health right now, and I feel compelled to speak about entrepreneurs and their mental health. According to recent research by the National Institute of Mental Health, 72 percent of entrepreneurs are impacted by mental health difficulties directly or indirectly, compared to only 48 percent of non-entrepreneurs.
What Exactly Is This?
Despite the glamorous aspects of the business (which we primarily see in the media), entrepreneurs face more problems, failures, betrayals from trusted employees, desertion, disappointment, depressions, exhaustion, sleeplessness, and other mental health issues.
Even for those who will not have to cope with the majority of the drawbacks, starting a business from the scratch and running it every day can be compared to trying to keep a madhouse in order daily. Things start to get a little crazy. Deadlines have not been reached. Contracts are broken. Productivity must be maintained at a high level. There are also irate customers or clients to deal with on occasion. It’s easy to become overwhelmed.
According to studies, entrepreneurs are twice as likely to suffer from depression and six times more likely to suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Without naming names, some of you may (or may not) recall the story of a 29-year-old business founder who committed suicide by jumping from a rooftop bar and another who died in 2020 from a combination of drugs and mental illness. Entrepreneurs have to deal with a lot more bad days than they admit.
How to Stay Sane Running a Crazy Business
Making it a habit to take time off work or business is one method to protect your mental health. I covered this in greater detail in another piece, so I won’t go into it here. You need to get out of the frenzy for a few hours to reclaim your sanity, connect with people, and re-energize yourself before returning to shatter more targets. Increase the number of personal and family relationships. You’ll need them just as much as they need you.
Understanding the difference between good striving and perfectionism is another guideline for you as a founder or entrepreneur. Perfectionism frequently stops people from experiencing happiness and contentment, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Small victories should be celebrated, and you should learn to revel in the thrill and pat yourself on the back. Don’t set unreasonable goals for yourself or your company.
Learn to talk as much about your terrible days as you do about your good days. When things aren’t going well, you don’t always have to put on a brave face. Every entrepreneur should have a friend, partner, or confidante to whom they can confide when things go wrong. It’s a great method to let off steam and get rid of negative vibes. Share your troubles with people and be open about them. The desire to avoid the reality of terrible days might lead to melancholy or even drug use in certain people.
This final tip may not appear to be one, but it is. Fix your finances. Some cases of anxiety and sadness are caused by financial issues, even among entrepreneurs. You should have fewer anxieties if your finances are well-sorted and your books are in order. Create a solid financial plan for yourself and your startup.
