The Dark Side Of Entrepreneurship

Written by Steph Toth (Sisler)

A positive mindset is often lauded as the key to success. The hustle and grind culture is even romanticized in the business world. But what isn't often talked about is the mental health of the entrepreneurs themselves.

My journey to entrepreneurship was not an easy one. It was filled with the typical highs and lows of any business venture, but there were a few times I felt that I was on the brink of a mental breakdown. Turns out, I am not alone, but I felt like I was, so I wanted to talk about our mental health as entrepreneurs.

The negative effects of unchecked mental illness in the business world are well-documented. According to Forbes, 72 percent of entrepreneurs are affected by mental health issues, compared to 48 percent of non-entrepreneurs. Why the jump?

Being an entrepreneur requires a lot of dedication, time and energy. It also requires a certain mindset – one that is proactive, always looking for new opportunities and a willingness to take risks. These traits can help propel you to success in the business world, but they can also come at a cost to your mental health.

We are constantly pushed to our limits, both mentally and physically. We are always 'on', constantly thinking about our business, and how we can take it to the next level. This can lead to us neglecting our own wellbeing in the process.

Before you know it, that unwavering commitment, perseverance and dedication which saw you through the early stages of your business is now a double-edged sword.

Mental illness is a plight that is often spoken about in hushed tones. It's a taboo topic that nobody wants to talk about. But it's time to break the silence.

How I Improved My Mental Health

Instead of being reactionary, I decided to be proactive. I realized that the key to my success was my mental health. And so, I engaged in strategies that improved my mental health. As soon as I did the inside work, things on the outside got a whole lot better. My entire life shifted. My passion was back and things began flowing with ease. My business was being directly impacted by my mental health, and the better I felt, the more my business grew. It became crystal clear that my mindset was blocking my business growth so I decided to do something about it… finally. This was after years of feeling a bit low, and the whole time thinking it was my business that was ‘failing’. Turns out it was all in my head.

Now, I want to help you avoid the Entrepreneurial Mental Health Trap that so many of us fall into.

Here are some things that helped me keep my mental health in check:

Acknowledge: The first step is to actually recognize that your mental health is important. Too often, we brush off our feelings and try to tough it out. But that’s not healthy or sustainable. I remember feeling down for a few days and thinking it would pass, but before I knew it a few days turned into a few weeks and even months.

Stop comparing: Social media makes it way too easy to compare your business to others. And what you see isn’t even real, it’s only what they want you to see. No one is sharing their fears or hardships. All we see are success stories, and if you’re having a tough week, that can trigger some negative emotions. I’ll do a bit of a social detox if I feel myself getting too wrapped up in it.

Avoid burnout: Prevention is key, so it’s important to catch burnout before it happens. What are the most common signs of burnout? Feeling chronically exhausted, having trouble concentrating or making decisions, being easily irritable or impatient, and losing interest in work or hobbies. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s probably time to take a step back and re-evaluate your work/life balance.

Schedule “me” time: As entrepreneurs, we are always “on.” But it’s important to take some time for ourselves. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or taking a yoga class, do something that helps you relax.

Network: When you’re an entrepreneur, it can be easy to feel like you’re in it alone. That’s why it’s important to network with other entrepreneurs. You can share stories, offer support, and help each other navigate the challenges of running a business.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. It can help you focus on your breath, body, and surroundings. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to practice mindfulness. It can help you clear your head and refocus on what’s important.

Remind yourself that your mental health is important and can be a key asset to your business. Only you have the power to engage strategies that improve your mental health.

Being an entrepreneur is not just about hustling harder, faster and longer. It's also about taking care of yourself, so that you can take care of your business. Your mental health is the key to your success in business. So take care of yourself, so that you can take your business to the top.