Founder Mental Health

In startup and entrepreneur land, everyone’s hustling, crushing it, killing it, never sleeping, always running around with notes scribbled on ratty bits of paper that get soggy in the bottom of bags so you can’t read what you wrote on them anyway! But, obviously, none of this is healthy for the mind or body. And in some cases, might just be a bit of impression management too. Nonetheless, Founders are doing it tough.

Founding a business is hard. And when you’re investing everything you have — psychologically, emotionally and financially — into your purpose-led startup, there’s going to be a weight on your shoulders.

In 2015, 72% of startup founders self-reported as having mental health concerns. When broken down a bit further, many stated they had histories of depression, ADHD, substance use issues and bipolar diagnoses. No doubt many startup founders are highly ambitious and no achievement is ever ‘enough’, but those standards can do some damage.

But, good management of your own mental health can create a culture of good mental health throughout your business. As a Founder, as well as a mental health practitioner, I’ve realised how important self-compassion and self-care really is. Acknowledging that it’s tough is the first, and sometimes the hardest, step. Next come the actions.

Here are some suggestions to help you navigate some changes:

Number 1 without a doubt - you MUST sleep! We will rapidly decompensate without adequate sleep and it significantly increases the risk of psychosis. Having co-founders to share the load can be invaluable to listen, problem solve, delegate to and act as a pressure release valve. Having open and honest communication channels and supports are also crucial. Practicing the art of discipline and saying no. Nourish your body by eating well when you’re on the go - pack sustaining snacks like nuts, have a fruit and veggie rich smoothie in the mornings as you fly out, and some eggs, avocado and grains for dinner. Build in moments of mindfulness throughout the day during your in-between times. Have at least one day off a week. Establish a practice of gratitude. Stay social at least once a month if not more. Find something that makes you laugh. Do something that is creative and nothing to do with your business. And underlying all of this is the invitation to de-stigmatise mental health challenges for Founders by encouraging people to talk openly, listen respectfully and non-judgementally, and open up a safe space for this dialogue. By knowing that you’re not the only one and that you don’t have to do it all on your own, means so much as a Founder. Knowing that there are others out there who we can connect to and form a community with, can make a huge difference between barely surviving and thriving.

Founders need solid foundations. We don’t want anyone falling through the cracks.

I get by with a little help from my friends…