When Life Gets Hard: A Real Entrepreneur’s Guide to Mental Health and Business

Running a business while struggling with mental health isn’t just challenging—it can feel impossible. As entrepreneurs, we’re often told to “hustle harder” and “never give up,” but what happens when depression, anxiety, or overwhelming life circumstances threaten to derail everything you’ve worked for?

In Episode 25 of Never Stop Dreaming Biggie, I get vulnerably honest about navigating entrepreneur mental health during one of the hardest seasons of my life. If you’re a small business owner feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or wondering if successful people struggle too, this post is for you.

The Reality of Entrepreneur Mental Health

Mental health challenges affect entrepreneurs at higher rates than the general population. According to research, entrepreneurs are 50% more likely to report having a mental health condition. The pressure to succeed, financial stress, and isolation can create a perfect storm for entrepreneur depression and business owner anxiety.

Here’s what I’ve learned through my own journey with mental health and entrepreneurship:

1. Success Doesn’t Shield You From Struggle

One of the biggest misconceptions is that business success equals personal happiness. During my recording of Episode 25, my businesses were thriving—The Brighter Side Society was growing, podcast downloads were increasing, and The Holmestead project was moving forward. Yet personally, I was struggling with overwhelming circumstances I couldn’t control.

The truth: You can be professionally successful and personally struggling at the same time. This doesn’t make you weak or a failure—it makes you human.

2. Asking for Help is Strength, Not Weakness

Entrepreneur burnout often stems from the belief that we have to handle everything alone. I’ve struggled with this since my first bout with depression in college. When my husband tells me “you’re the strongest person I know and you never need anything,” I have to remind both of us—I do need support.

Practical steps for getting help:

• Find a therapist who understands entrepreneurship
• Join entrepreneur support groups or communities
• Be honest with trusted friends and family about your struggles
• Consider medication if recommended by healthcare professionals
• Take breaks when needed, even if it affects your business schedule

3. Protecting Your Energy When You Can’t Control Circumstances

Sometimes life hits you with situations you can’t control—family emergencies, health crises, or personal challenges that demand your emotional energy while you’re trying to run a business.

Strategies I use:

• Setting boundaries around what I can and cannot share publicly
• Surrounding myself with Bible verses and positive affirmations
• Limiting social media consumption during difficult periods
• Focusing on “this will pass” mentality
• Maintaining business momentum without forcing perfection

The Angel Boxes Project: Healing Through Giving

One unexpected source of healing has been my Angel Boxes project—care packages I send to people going through difficult times. This initiative started from my own experience receiving unexpected kindness during a dark period.

What’s in an Angel Boxes:

• Uplifting books like “Let Them” by Mel Robbins
• Encouraging candles from local makers
• Journals for processing thoughts and emotions
• Self-care items and encouraging notes
• Small tokens of hope and love

The project has taught me that giving back while struggling can actually accelerate healing. When we’re in pain, serving others reminds us of our purpose beyond our circumstances.

Mental Health Strategies for Entrepreneurs

Daily Practices That Help:

1. Brain Training: Your brain wants to keep you safe, but sometimes it needs guidance. I love telling myself “I love my brain” and “I’m taking care of my brain.”
2. Community Connection: Isolation is dangerous for entrepreneurs. Whether it’s The Brighter Side Society, church community, or close friends, staying connected is crucial.
3. Vulnerability in Leadership: Being authentic about struggles creates deeper connections with your audience and team.
4. Gratitude Practice: Even on hard days, finding something to be grateful for shifts perspective.
5. Professional Support: Having resources like counselors, coaches, and healthcare providers in place before you need them.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Difficulty getting out of bed for multiple days
• Loss of interest in business activities you usually enjoy
• Isolation from friends, family, and business community
• Increased anxiety about business decisions
• Physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, or appetite changes
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek immediate help)

Building a Support System as an Entrepreneur

The entrepreneurial journey isn’t meant to be traveled alone. Here are ways to build your support network:

Professional Support:

• Business coaches who understand mental health
• Therapists with entrepreneurship experience
• Peer mastermind groups
• Industry mentors who’ve navigated similar challenges

Personal Support:

• Family and friends who understand your journey
• Faith communities or spiritual practices
• Online communities like The Brighter Side Society
• Local entrepreneur meetups and networking groups

Emergency Support:

• Crisis hotlines: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Local mental health crisis centers
• Trusted friends or family for immediate support
• Healthcare providers for urgent mental health needs

When Business Success and Personal Struggle Collide

The hardest part about entrepreneur mental health challenges is often the guilt. You might think, “My business is doing well, I should be happy” or “People are counting on me, I can’t fall apart now.”

Remember:

• Your worth isn’t tied to your business performance
• Taking care of your mental health ultimately serves your business better
• Vulnerability and authenticity attract the right people to your brand
• It’s okay to slow down when life demands it
• Your personal healing journey can become part of your business mission

Moving Forward: Hope for Struggling Entrepreneurs

If you’re reading this while struggling with depression and entrepreneurship, know that:

• You’re not alone in this journey
• This season will pass even when it feels endless
• Asking for help shows wisdom not weakness
• Your vulnerability can become your strength and help others
• Small steps forward still count as progress

The entrepreneurial journey includes seasons of struggle alongside seasons of success. The goal isn’t to avoid difficult times but to navigate them with grace, support, and hope.

Resources for Entrepreneur Mental Health

• Crisis Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Therapy: BetterHelp, Psychology Today provider directory
• Entrepreneur Communities: The Brighter Side Society, local business groups
• Books: “Toxic Parents,” “Let Them” by Mel Robbins
• Support: Angel Boxes project for encouragement during difficult times

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Want to support the Angel Boxes project or need encouragement during your own difficult season? Visit [sipindipity.com] to nominate someone or donate to help spread kindness to entrepreneurs and others going through hard times.

Listen to the full conversation about mental health and entrepreneurship in Episode 25 of Never Stop Dreaming Biggie, available on all podcast platforms.

Remember: Your mental health matters more than your business metrics. Take care of yourself first—everything else will follow.

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