Many people only notice entrepreneurial success but what goes behind into being a successful entrepreneur is unseen by most people. Many people don’t realize the mental health problems that entrepreneurs face like depression and anxiety. It becomes a part of every day like to battle anxiety and depression as an entrepreneur.
The rise of depression amongst entrepreneurs has doubled since the last decade. Researchers at UC San Francisco found that 72% of entrepreneurs experienced mental health issues, with 49% experiencing chronic mental illness. That’s almost three-quarters of the entrepreneurial community suffering from some type of mental health issue.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy for entrepreneurs to manage and overcome depression and anxiety. Society often encourages entrepreneurs to ignore the signs. Many feel left out and afraid that their peers will judge them.
The Causes & Studies on Depression
Depression is identified as a serious medical condition that impacts the way you act, feels, and think. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 1 in 6 people experience some form of depression in their lifetime.
However, more than 30 per cent of entrepreneurs experience depression in their lives. There are many reasons for this. First, society and financial struggle put a lot of pressure on the entrepreneur to succeed. Small business owners work extended work hours and often struggle to maintain a fulfilling personal life. The constant effort of turning an idea into a reality can be overwhelming and soon stress takes over.
These stressful periods last a long time. Many entrepreneurs go through tedious job mode for 3-5 years before their company finds success. For some, it’s even longer. To complicate matters, many newcomers in business are in a hurry to become profitable and successful and often neglect their physical and mental well-being. Many skip meals, cut their sleep hours, and fail to exercise their mind and body. Some even abuse substances that help keep them awake and sharp for long periods so they can complete projects. All these bad choices negatively impact mental health and can lead to stress or severe depression.
How to Identify Depression?
Clinical depression requires a medical diagnosis. However, there are warning signs that any entrepreneur can identify before talking to a medical professional. Symptoms include unnecessary stress, loss of interest in activities, insomnia, anxiety, increased fatigue, loss or increase in appetite, or irritability.
Depression is different for different people, but if you sense these symptoms, get checked. The longer you wait to identify a problem, the more difficult it can be to manage once you’ve identified it.
Suicide – Extreme case of depression
Many entrepreneurs overlook their mental health issues. Not seeking help can lead to severe problems, even self-harm, and in extreme cases, suicide.
With a surge in suicide cases in the entrepreneurial community in the last few years, the entrepreneurs are slowly but surely realizing that depression and suicide are more common in their field of work.
Identifying depression symptoms earlier, and taking measures to deal with it, can help prevent the worst-case scenario. While depression is more common among entrepreneurs, it is not a tag that you live with for the rest of your life. These thoughts and feelings don’t define who you are as a person.
Depression is a mental disorder and nothing more. It doesn’t have to hinder your life, and it certainly doesn’t have to be the reason to end your life.
Ways to Seek Help
While many entrepreneurs don’t have the luxury of seeking help randomly, they do have many other options they can use if they suffer from depression. Eating right, regularly exercising, and taking breaks are all constitutive methods, but then the most important thing to do is know how you seek help.
Many entrepreneurs need a strong personal foundation. Due to the nature of the entrepreneurial journey, job isolation and long work hours are very common. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people, who stay by your side through your ups and downs is extremely important. While they watch out for you, you should also have a care for the other person who may be suffering. This way, no one will feel that they are alone, even if your depression wants you to believe you are.
In cases, when you are not sure what to do, you can also take advantage of therapy and medication. Helplines such as the Suicide Prevention Hotline (091529 87821) are very valuable in times of need.
While you may be going through many problems as an entrepreneur, don’t ever neglect your feelings and thoughts. The sooner you seek to help the better your chances of fighting and overcoming depression.
While depression may affect one in three entrepreneurs, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Don’t be afraid to admit that you are going through these mental issues and stress. Expressing yourself can open dialogue among entrepreneurs that can increase awareness, offer you support, and much-needed help. Entrepreneurs should not feel like they must struggle and suffer to find success. Depression is real, but it can also be defeated. For more information visit www.digitalpresence.today.
Disclaimer: This article is a general observation and based upon the sole experience of the writer. It is not for a medical or medicolegal purpose.
