How founders are four times more likely to suffer from mental health issues
Starting a business is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a difficult and stressful one. 72% of startup founders struggle with mental health issues. On average, 7% of the population suffers from depression while a whopping 30% of entrepreneurs do. This is not surprising given the challenges that entrepreneurs face.
One of the main reasons that founders of startups suffer from mental health problems is the high level of stress, and pressure that they are under, one in three founders admit to suffer from daily stress. Starting a business is a risky venture, and there is always the possibility that it could fail. This uncertainty can take a toll on founders, who may feel like they have a lot riding on the success of their business.
In addition to the stress of starting a business, many founders struggle with isolation and lack of support, as loneliness can be found at the top 3 main concerns faced by this group. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and it is not uncommon for founders to feel like they are in it alone. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
Finally, the demands of running a startup can be overwhelming. Founders are often expected to wear many hats and handle a wide range of responsibilities. This can lead to burnout, which can further exacerbate feelings of depression.
At the end of the day being a founder is taking high risk and also working hard for high reward. In the end, this collective is exposed to depression due to the stress, isolation, and demands of starting a business. It is important for founders to prioritize their mental health and seek support if they are struggling.