Entrepreneurship is often romanticized.
Many of us imagine doing what we love, and becoming our ownbossescan be attractive.
The reality of stepping into entrepreneurship and starting a small business also comes with challenges and struggles.
The conflict between stress and running your own business is well-documented in research.
Bad stress can hinder success, increasing what researchers call non-resilient responses,leading to cognitive and somatic issues.
However, entrepreneurs can prepare for the bad stress and get the support they need.
Preparation includes radical honesty, a willingness to evolve, and a belief that being supported is possible.
Being an entrepreneur and small business owner has been glamorized by social media, she began.
It is true, living inthe digital age, we see images of others most aspirational lives.
Our digital world inevitably informs what we feel and think in our inner world.
We see a lot of people winning and dont notice as many people who are trying.
If youre winning, theres… hardship people arent aware of, she continued.
However, such a sentiment goes both ways.
From any angle, it is important to give yourself grace and patience, she concluded.
If youre winning, theres… hardship people arent aware of.
However, the complexity that accompanies running a small business is something that continually keeps her engaged.
Asking for assistance applies toemotional wellnessas a whole.
Since youre doing it all, it is easy to neglect our emotional selves.
But, you could be missing out on a tool that could be incredible for your business.
In some cases, it may be easier to avoid these struggles when employed by an organization.
The pandemic clarified my business plan.
Like many Black-owned businesses, things went from zero to one million and havent stopped since, she shared.
This massive growth has brought on new mental health challenges.
Its been a never-ending game of going up the staircase and hoping Im doing things right, Nunn stated.
Balance and perspective are key.
Remind yourself why you love what you do and what you love about it, Nara suggested.
This sentiment helps Nunn forge forward when things feel trying.
Small business owners arent only responsible for running their business and adjusting to the trade-offs of being their boss.
Theyre also responsible for managing their emotional wellness with potentially fewer resources than theyre used to.
Walters shared sage advice for those experiencing mental health issues when running their business.
I would say it needs to be tended to and taken as seriously as your spreadsheets.
Nara Lee, LMFT
Balance and perspective are key.
Yet, that isnt as simple as utilizing employee benefits to book a therapy session.
Instead, lets explore options to get the needed and much deserved support.
First, lets address how you’re able to support your mental health.
Finding alicensed mental health provideris a great first start.
If you havehealth insurance, reach out to your providing company to see what mental health offerings are available.
Next, explore if your daily life needs someboundaries.
Perhaps you work well into the evening every night, rarely allowing yourself a break.
The demands of running a business are heavy, but some boundaries can lighten the load.
Barring major emergencies, adhering to this boundary can create a division between labor and rest in your mind.
In turn, you may feel more energized and prepared for any curveballs that come your way.
Boundaries dont only apply to working hours.
Regardless of how you find lightheartedness, make an effort to consciously connect with it regularly.
If you have employees, there are ways you could lighten the load for yourself in your managerial duties.
Finally, call on yourcommunity.
Seeking a mentor can help normalize some of the challenging experiences during the entrepreneurial journey.
Having this community and support is especially important for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
However, the support doesn’t stop there.
This statement led me to reflect on my experiences working at small businesses.
Empathy for one’s employer can also function as a stream of support.
While folks must be held accountable forworkplace maltreatment, there are cases where an employer needs a little grace.
In larger organizations, HR often offers solace and peace of mind.
Usually, just a few individuals manage all workplace processes at a small business.
Leading with patience, curiosity, and honesty are ways to support the small business owner who employs you.
Walters summed it up perfectly: “I love my job…
But, it isn’t an easy one.”
2020;41(5):460-463. doi:10.1080/01612840.2020.1733871
