I recently read an article in Inc. Magazine’s September 2013 issue entitled “The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship” written by Jessica Bruder.  It’s a great article discussing the dark side of being an entrepreneur. . . . the side that nobody really wants to talk about.  Sure, being an entrepreneur is great when things are going smoothly, “wins” are happening on a regular basis, money is pouring through the door and the red carpet of success is rolled out in front of you.  That’s the fun stuff to talk about and the image everyone wants to portray. 

 depression

What needs to be discussed is the not so fun parts of owning a business . . . the huge risks, the constant anxiety, the middle of the night worries about making it all work, the ever present reality that 95% of all businesses fail within their first 5 years.  We need to be talking about the fact that entrepreneurs and business owners are more vulnerable to depression and anxiety than the average population because the qualities that drive them to greatness are the same qualities that can consume and destroy them.  Even really successful entrepreneurs are prone to periods of depression and bouts of anxiety.  Recent suicides of two young, successful entrepreneurs illustrated that point all too well.

 

So many members of our community struggle with these issues every day and they suffer in silence.  They suffer in silence because they are embarrassed and ashamed.  They were taught to “fake it until you make it”, “it’s better to look good than to feel good” and that image is everything.  So they maintain the image of success at all cost.

 

They suffer in silence because they don’t have anyone to talk to who understands.  It’s hard to reach out to friends who don’t own a business because they don’t get it.  They don’t understand the huge responsibility of not only providing for your own family, but also for the families of your employees.  They don’t understand why you would want that responsibility and their advice is often “get a job”.  It’s hard to reach out to friends who are business owners because they don’t want to ruin the image and share just how stressful (and terrifying) things really are.

 

They suffer in silence because they like to be in control.    That’s one of the reasons they went into business in the first place, so they would have control over their life, their money and their future.  Asking for help means making themselves vulnerable and giving up some control. 

 

I think it’s time to start a new discussion about the joys and struggles of owning a business so that people don’t have to suffer in silence.  I’d love to hear what you have to say, please add your comments below.

 

melanie2-smMelanie Yost LCSW is an Author, Speaker, and Business Mentor for motivated business owners ready to break through to the next level. She teaches them how to integrate their unique skills, natural abilities and lifestyle priorities into their business planning and marketing strategies so that they can make more money than they ever thought possible and have fun doing it.

A psychotherapist for 20 years, Melanie combines a wealth of effective and creative tools that empower her clients to transform their lives, their situations, and most importantly, their outcomes. When people are looking for an opportunity to create a 180 degree turn in their finances, beliefs, business and lives, they seek Melanie’s acute wisdom and trusted advice. Melanie’s coaching is a mix of practicality, mindset, strategy and marketing. If you have ever wanted to get out from under the limitations of your business and start living your passion and loving what you do, her coaching is a must!