Entrepreneurship is often glamorized. We hear about the overnight successes, the breakthrough moments, and the big wins. But there’s a side of the story that’s rarely talked about openly: battling mental illness while building a business. It’s something many entrepreneurs face, but it’s often buried beneath the surface, hidden behind polished pitches and “grind” culture.
The Weight of the Grind
Let’s get real for a second—entrepreneurship isn’t a 9-to-5, it’s a lifestyle. You’re constantly thinking about the next move, your business never really leaves your mind, and while that drive is what sets entrepreneurs apart, it can also be what drives them into the ground. When you add mental illness into the mix—whether it’s anxiety, depression, or any other challenge—it feels like you’re running two races at once: one to build your business and the other to just keep your head above water.
The expectations of being “always on” are brutal. In the startup world, there’s this unspoken rule that if you’re not hustling 24/7, you’re falling behind. And while there’s merit in hard work, there’s a thin line between grinding and burning out. If you’re already dealing with mental health struggles, the pressure can become unbearable.
The Silent Struggle
Let me tell you, mental illness doesn’t care about your launch dates, sales targets, or investor meetings. It doesn’t clock in and out. It’s always there, lurking in the background, sometimes showing up on the days you can least afford it. And yet, as entrepreneurs, we often bottle it up. We put on the brave face, push through, and act like everything is fine because that’s what’s expected. But it’s not sustainable.
I’ve been there—pushing through burnout, ignoring the warning signs, and pretending I had everything together. But ignoring mental health is a dangerous game. It doesn’t just affect your well-being, it impacts your business, your relationships, your ability to think clearly, and ultimately, the decisions you make as an entrepreneur. Running a business requires focus, creativity, and resilience—things that are hard to maintain when you’re mentally drained.
Owning the Battle
There’s no shame in admitting that mental illness is part of the journey for many of us. In fact, owning that battle is what makes us stronger. I’ve found that being upfront about mental health—whether it’s talking to a therapist, confiding in a close friend, or just allowing myself a break—can actually be a game-changer for both my mental state and my business. It’s about balance. Sure, you need to put in the work, but you also need to listen to your body and mind.
The truth is, no one wins if you’re running on empty. You’re not letting yourself down by stepping back or asking for help; you’re strengthening your foundation to come back stronger. It’s counterintuitive in a world that glorifies the hustle, but I’ve realized that taking care of your mental health is one of the most strategic moves you can make for your business.
What’s Next?
So, how do you battle mental illness and still chase your entrepreneurial dreams? It’s not easy, but it’s possible.
- Set boundaries: Know when to say “enough for today.” Your business won’t crumble because you took a mental health day.
- Build a support system: Whether it’s a mentor, therapist, or fellow entrepreneur, having someone to talk to is crucial.
- Be kind to yourself: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Progress is still progress, even on the bad days.
Mental illness doesn’t define your capabilities as an entrepreneur. It’s a part of the journey that many of us face, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Building a business is tough, and so is battling mental illness—but if you’re doing both, you’re tougher than most. Keep going, but don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.
You owe it to yourself and your vision.