Although there are no studies on the impact of depression specifically on entrepreneurs, there are plenty of studies on the rising incidence of burnout and depression among the workforce. Some factors contributing to this include air pollution, poor diets, and long hours at work.
There are two types of burnout: existential and circumstantial. The latter is characterized by a loss of meaning in one’s profession. It can be triggered by factors such as lack of self-validation, professional identity loss, and loss of connectivity with clients and colleagues. On the other hand, existential burnout is caused by a loss of connection with clients and colleagues.
Although the general population is prone to experiencing burnout, different professions have their own specific challenges. For instance, when it comes to entrepreneurs, they are often passionate about their work but neglect their personal lives.
It’s also hard to separate one’s self from the business when it comes to entrepreneurship. Due to the hectic nature of the business, many entrepreneurs can experience personal setbacks. These are usually caused by their overwhelming passion for their business.
What is Burnout?
Although stress can be beneficial for one’s health, it can also lead to various illnesses and disorders. For instance, if one consistently doesn’t take the time to rest, they can develop chronic stress, which can affect multiple aspects of their body. Some of these include diabetes, high blood sugar levels, muscle tension, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. When burnout begins, it can manifest in various physical, emotional, and mental states. It’s considered a state of complete exhaustion.
It’s essential for entrepreneurs to remember that almost all of the startups that start out fail within the first two years. This statistic can help them prepare for failure and mitigate it. It’s additionally important to note that burnout can additionally occur even if a business is doing well. Many of them are also susceptible to experiencing this type of stress.
Mitigating Burnout
Today’s society assumes that we can only be successful if we work long hours and sacrifice our personal lives and health. In reality, this is not the case, as we can actually be successful if we spend more time with ourselves. Apart from improving our mental clarity, regular rest can also help entrepreneurs develop more effective business decisions.
To avoid burnout, it’s vital for entrepreneurs to maintain their external values and keep their physical health in check. This can be done through regular exercise, healthy eating, and sleeping. In addition to these, it’s also essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
One of the most critical factors that entrepreneurs can consider when it comes to maintaining their mental resilience is not allowing negative feedback, unexpected obstacles, and inconsistent schedules to affect them.