my experience with anxiety as an entrepreneur and how to cope.
As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and become subject to conditions like anxiety, depression or even mental health disabilities. Even the most well adjusted of us find our daily lives are full of unknowns and it can take a toll on our mental wellbeing. It’s important that we all make an effort to look after our mental health before we hit burn out.
Research has found that entrepreneurs are at an increased risk of anxiety, depression and other mental health disabilities. A recent study of 438 entrepreneurs across the United States conducted by Inc. Magazine and administered by Gallup found that among entrepreneurs a significant portion had anxiety (18%), depression (18%), and bipolar disorder (14%) compared to the national average. The same study found that 52% of survey takers had at least one mental health disorder while 30% of entrepreneurs had more than one.
The “lonely entrepreneur” is a concept that has been explored by many. Entrepreneurship is a sometimes solitary career, especially in the early stages where all decisions are taken by a single individual. Even entrepreneurs working in a team find they sometimes have to “go it alone”, and if not properly managed, this can lead to isolation and self-doubt.
My experience with anxiety started during the pandemic. I had never experienced anxiety in my life before this, and yet here I was all of a sudden feeling like fear was chasing me. I was overwhelmed with all the work I had to do, and the stress and uncertainty of the situation. It was unlike anything I’d experienced before. That’s when I discovered box breathing, a technique used to help relax and reduce the stress response. It involves breathing in for four counts, holding for four counts, breathing out for four seconds, and holding for four seconds, repeating until your racing mind calms. I’ve been using this technique ever since, to keep myself in control of my anxiety and manage it more effectively.
If you’re an entrepreneur, or even a small business owner, be sure to look out for the signs of mental health issues and take steps to look after your well-being. Research indicates that the rate of entrepreneurship is higher among those with mental health disabilities, so it’s essential that you look after your mental health. It can be hard to admit if you’re struggling, but you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to family and friends for support, or look for outside resources like mental health professionals and wellness courses.
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