Protecting Your Mental Health As An Entrepreneur

Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash

If you are taking the leap into starting your own business, you need to keep yourself as mentally and physically healthy as you can. A recent study revealed that more than 70% of entrepreneurs are living with some kind of mental health issue. This number is higher in self-employed women.

Reducing your stress level is important for all of us, especially for those who are entrepreneurs with their own businesses and no backup employees or support staff.  Being aware of warning signs can help you achieve the good health you need to succeed and stay well at the same time. 

Think About What Being an Entrepreneur Entails

The rewards of being an entrepreneur can be gratifying, but there are downsides as well. Running a start-up involves a lot of work and stress. Many people find it difficult to switch off their work time and mentality, and their work-life balance suffers. 

Knowing  what is ahead of you can help you put coping strategies in place and reduce the likelihood of being blindsided. Remember, successful entrepreneurs likely have not achieved success in a linear way. There are often challenges and failures along the way. Without risk, there is seldom reward.

Start Working on Your Mental Health Now

If you are living with a mental health condition, or suspect that you might have one, then now is the time to get the help you need and get into good habits around your self-care. Awareness of the importance of mental health care is increasing, with good reason.

Choose Your Inspiration Wisely 

Social media is full of people who can inspire us. Social media, however, also can have negative effects, if we fall into comparison traps. If you choose to follow other entrepreneurs, for example, only follow those who inspire you in a healthy way. Remember that people usually only post the highlight reels and that everyone has life challenges. Most simply do not post the hard stuff.

Follow people that push you to do better. If social media is making you feel bad about yourself, consider taking a break from it. Maintaining a positive outlook will help you achieve more than a negative one.  So choose what serves you and discard the rest. 

Learn To Recognize Signs When You Are Not OK

The earlier you can recognize your mental health is suffering, the better. It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to burn out or experience a breakdown before they seek help. 

Being an entrepreneur is an incredibly difficult role to play due to its unpredictability and constant challenges. It can be easy to adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms, like substance abuse, to help you manage the stress. Recognizing if that's something you have started to do and then seeking help is a sign of immense strength and courage. Addiction treatment centers like Restorations Health Care are available for all those feeling overwhelmed by their entrepreneurship journey, with support both during rehabilitation, as well as after-care services that help maintain long-term sobriety.

Mood swings, insomnia, changes in eating habits, avoiding your usual hobbies and social activities, and drinking or taking drugs are all signs that you are too stressed. Stay self-aware, and do not let your business activities take over the quality of your life.

Seek a Mental Health Professional

When it comes to boosting your mental health, one of the best ways is to seek out a mental health professional. The reason why this piece of advice is always given is because it works. A good therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor can immensely change your life for the better. You’ll have to make time for this and, for the most part, therapists are pretty accommodating. Nowadays, there are options to do phone call and video sessions, too. Seeking help from professional services who are a good fit for your needs truly can be a game changer and help you to focus on self-care and improve your mental health.

Therapists differ in their approaches. Ensure that you and your therapist are a good fit. That may take meeting with several therapists before you choose with whom you would like to work. Some therapists skillfully use EMDR modalities to assist their patients. Therapy using EMDR paddles, for instance, can help you manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety. Therapy is not a one size fits all endeavor. Be gentle with yourself and determine what is best for you.  

Takeaways

Being an entrepreneur is not easy and it is not for everyone. When you take the leap and embark on your dream, do not forget that the priority is to look after yourself so that you can give the very best to your business. You cannot pour from an empty cup.