16th Apr 2024
“A 2018 study on the prevalence and co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions among entrepreneurs showed that they experience more depression (30%), ADHD (29%), substance use (12%), and bipolar disorder (11%) than comparative participants. Entrepreneurs believe that the associated depression is caused by the increasingly complex and competitive world they operate in.” (Monez P, Barton M, 2024)
If you had told me this ten years ago, I would not have understood. The view from the outside on entrepreneurs and their businesses can be very different to what it is like on the inside. Like social media, the outlook others see is often not a true reflection of what is going on (Fardouly J, Holland E, 2018)
If you had told me this ten years ago, I would not have understood. The view from the outside on entrepreneurs and their businesses can be very different to what it is like on the inside. Like social media, the outlook others see is often not a true reflection of what is going on (Fardouly J, Holland E, 2018)
In Forbes October 2018, Penny Power ( OBE founded the Ecademy in 1998) suggests “Whether introverted or extroverted, we all need to feel worth-while. I believe this means everyone needs to have something to belong to” She suggests family support can be one way to minimise loneliness in your own business. Unconditional love and support can be a great cure but if I am going to offer total honesty here, it doesn’t always do it for me.
Back in 2016 when my mother died, family support was essential, but I found the only true understanding would be from others in the same situation. Although an extreme example, I looked into this and although emotional and cognitive empathy are both possible – a true understanding aides this. In the same way I find the best support on my entrepreneurial journey comes from others in the same position.
I have found being able to speak with friends who run their own business, and local business owners has been a life saver. Hearing the same issues, same feelings and same highs and lows makes me feel so much less alone. We are members of Buy Local Norfolk and their networking events are full of local business owners, many in the same position as me. It is one of my most favourite wasyways to spend an evening working.
As a business we work with many local companies for our marketing, product, and other business needs. Forming these relationships and hearing their journeys has been so worthwhile.
Although I do believe my mental health suffers more than if I was under someone else’s employment, I have more flexibility for my family and the opportunity to create something great too.
Please don’t misunderstand me, as someone who has taken antidepressants and done therapy, I know there are many lines of support for mental health issues. This is not a blog on what you should do if you are suffering because of your business (but please if you need help do check out Mind who can signpost you better than me). But being around others who understand, talking about common issues and sharing stories often make me realise itsit’s not just me. There are also opportunities to learn from others – and it is these invaluable insights that I love when talking to others in the same situation as me.
