Mental Health Resources for Entrepreneurs

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Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road.

Even if you’re surrounded by a large team, founding a company means absorbing a set of risks and responsibilities greater than most can imagine. Employees depend on you. Customers depend on you. And most of all, you depend on you. After all, entrepreneurship is the process of creating your own opportunity.

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But opportunity doesn’t come easy. And unfortunately for many entrepreneurs, the difficult journey can cause all sorts of associated struggles…especially when it comes to metal health and wellness.

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In fact, according to researcher Michael Freeman, nearly half of all entrepreneurs will develop some sort of mental health issue during their lifetime.  More specifically, Freeman found that compared to the average population, entrepreneurs are:

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• Twice as likely to suffer from depression

• Six times more likely to suffer from ADHD

• Three times more likely to suffer from substance abuse

• Ten times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder

• Twice as likely to have a psychiatric hospitalization

• Twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts

 

So, what’s an entrepreneur to do? Well, it starts by acknowledging that you’re not alone. That millions of entrepreneurs share similar battles with mental health and wellness…especially when living through times as uncertain as these.

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And after you understand and acknowledge you’re not alone, it’s time to be proactive, using tools, goals, and systems to better understand and manage your mental health struggles as an entrepreneur.

 

To help get you started, here are some great resources related to mental health and wellbeing.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Some problems and struggles are too large for any one person to bear. If you are having difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, or any other issues, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Calls are free, confidential, and can be made 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

Understanding the Importance of Mental Health as an Entrepreneur

The first step in solving a problem is understanding the problem. Below is a great collection of articles and videos that highlight why mental health issues are so prevalent within the entrepreneurial community, and what you can do to proactively work towards solving them.

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Investors and Entrepreneurs Need to Address the Mental Health Crisis in Startups

For Entrepreneurs, the Price of Success Could Mean Your Mental Health

The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship and Mental Health

What They Don’t Tell You About Entrepreneurship

 

Developing a Mindfulness and Mental Wellness Routine

Once you understand why entrepreneurs are so prone to mental wellness concerns, it’s time to take action. Ready to take steps towards building a mindfulness and mental wellness routine? Check out these great resources to get you started.

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15 Steps for Entrepreneurs to Practice Mindfulness

Startup Founders Mental Health

Mindstorm Podcast: Entrepreneurial Mental Health

Tim Ferriss, Ray Dalio, and Gary Vee Talk Mental Health

The Mental Wellness Podcast

 

Learning How to Meditate

As seen in the articles above, one of the best steps entrepreneurs can take towards managing stress, anxiety, and mental wellbeing is to meditate. Thankfully, there are more resources than ever to help beginners everywhere build a meditation routine. Check out some of our favorites below.

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6 Great Online Tools to Help You Meditate

7 Meditation Apps and Devices for Mindful Entrepreneurs

How to Reduce Stress with the 2:1 Breathing Technique

Best Free Online Guided Meditations for Beginners

 

Building a Better Sleep Routine

Entrepreneurs are often defined by the crazy workload they take on. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of their own sleep. Research has shown time and time again that lack of sleep is a leading cause of stress and other mental health concerns. Learn how to take back your sleep with these great resources.

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Here’s Why Sleep is Important for Successful Entrepreneurs

A Sleeping Entrepreneur is a Successful Entrepreneur

You Snooze, You Win: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Healthy Habits

Entrepreneurs Who Sleep More Are Better at Spotting Good Ideas

Why Aren’t Entrepreneurs Getting Enough Sleep?

How Entrepreneurs Make Sleep Work for Them (And Not the Other Way Around)

 

Learning How to Unplug

One of the reasons mental health issues have continued to creep up for entrepreneurs is the fact that our “always on” digital society has made it harder than ever for founders to unplug, recharge, and distance themselves from their business. If you need resources to help you step away to avoid burnout, these articles are for you.

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Three Tips for the Entrepreneur Looking to Unplug

4 Tips for How Entrepreneurs Can Unplug and Recharge

4 Tips on How to Unplug for the Health of Your Business

Unplugging as an Entrepreneur

11 Ways for Busy Entrepreneurs to Relax and Recharge

 

Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

Hopefully these resources can help you develop some routines and habits for strong mental health and wellness, even during these trying times. However no two entrepreneurs and no two mental health issues are the same, and some may require the assistance of trained medical professionals.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or another mental health concern, please do not hesitate to consult the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Calls are free, confidential, and can be made 24/7, 365 days a year.