It is no secret that depression is more common among entrepreneurs than in the general population. On average, 7% of the population suffers from depression, while a whopping 30% of entrepreneurs suffer from depression. In fact, depression was the most reported condition, with 30% of all entrepreneurs experiencing it. ADHD (29%) and anxiety problems (27%) followed closely behind. Financial issues are the primary cause of depression and anxiety for entrepreneurs.
They often have a reputation for lack of sleep, poor nutrition, excessive caffeine consumption, and financial strain. By neglecting their health, they become more vulnerable to mood swings. It is important to remember that your business cannot succeed without you, and you cannot succeed if you are burning the candle at both ends. Most entrepreneurs anticipate a roller coaster ride of intense highs and lows when starting a business. While it is difficult to thank them for their time, if my experience is anything to go by (and I urge female entrepreneurs to explore this further), everything will come to light.
Share your experience with depression with colleagues and other entrepreneurs, wait, encourage others to ask for help. In his latest book, The Entrepreneurial Myth, author examines why entrepreneurs suffer more from poor mental health than the general population. In a study conducted by Stanford and the UC system, researchers found an underlying relationship between entrepreneurship and neuropsychological and behavioral differences associated with certain mental health conditions. The author challenges business owners, educators and legislators to reconsider toxic tropes about the “entrepreneurial mentality”. A more controversial and well-known view is that entrepreneurs report mental health problems significantly higher than professionals who work every day.
According to researchers, many entrepreneurs share innate character traits that make them more vulnerable to mood swings. In any case, being an entrepreneur exacerbates these problems, which is why they are so prevalent in the startup community. Whose professional and personal experience puts him in a unique position to discuss the link between entrepreneurs and depression. Kip, a San Francisco-based startup founded by Erin Frey, offers a combination of in-person therapy and software services to entrepreneurs and startup employees. The Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship is Harvard Business School's champion of business education and training. At the same time, while encouraging other entrepreneurs to share their experiences with depression, it also highlights the importance of access.
Mental health resources are limited for most Americans, but employers often opt for basic (or no) insurance without much coverage for mental health issues. Their findings could affect business education, executive training, and human resource management as “understanding the strengths and vulnerabilities associated with personal and family mental health histories can contribute to improved business outcomes and the development of protective resources for entrepreneurs”.
