Mental health has become one of the greatest challenges we face in society.
In this blog, I share many of the insights I’ve observed in working with literally hundreds of business owners.
A caveat here is key. I am not a clinical professional in this area so I will not be presenting clinical advice as a ‘bush doctor’.
My aim is to share observational feedback in working for decades with business owners in their inner sanctum. Here I share some practical tactics and strategies I’ve seen business owners benefit from, when faced with mental health issues.
There is an indelible connection between mental health and business health.
So let’s explore this.
At the lighter end, mental health issues may present as negative thoughts, cynicism, withdrawal, mild depression and overall unhappiness.
At the higher end, it may present as severe depression, escapism through drugs and alcohol, gambling, infidelity, extreme risk-taking and even suicide.
Business owners are not immune from mental health issues.
So how does mental health effect business health?
My experience has been that when our mental health is in a good place, our business health is too. Our productivity is strong, our execution of decisions seamless, our interpersonal relationships balanced, our risk-profile well managed and our overall strategy sound.
When our mental health is off, our productivity can be volatile, our decision-making erratic (or frozen), we hide or limit our exposure to people, we can become overt risk-takers or try vainly to eliminate all risk. Our strategy can become irrational and unclear.
The first step in aligning our mental health and business health is awareness and acknowledgement there may be an issue.
Awareness is stepping back to see the cues. Are you feeling yourself and behaving consistently with your normal behaviour? Are others around you – family, friends, business partners, employees and advisors flagging observations or concerns with you?
This first step of self-awareness is the key to addressing your mental health.
Taking action is the next step. This should generally be supported by professional clinical advice. In conjunction with clinical advice, I’ve found that business owners that talk about their struggles, start to recover and overcome their mental health issues quicker.
Some of the approaches I’ve seen taken by business owners adopting a proactive stance with their mental health include:
Speaking to clinical psychologists
Speaking to trusted inner-sanctum people including family, mentors, close friends, colleagues and business partners
Reducing work hours for a period
Taking a retreat or holiday
Taking more time out for hobbies and interests
Establishing good sleep hygiene (where possible)
Walking and exercising
Modifying diet
Meditating and mindfulness
Journaling
Positive affirmations
Reducing alcohol and other vices
Reducing or eliminating risk-taking behaviour
Staying away completely or reducing exposure to toxic people or environments
Deferring key decisions (where possible)
Expressing gratitude for what you do have in your life
Attempting to find moments of joy, however small, every day
Being kinder to yourself and remembering the mantra ‘this too shall pass’
Without your mental health, you lose your edge, and your business suffers.
Treat your mental health and physical health as your greatest asset.
NO YOU=NO BUSINESS
Your biggest asset isn’t on your balance sheet. It’s in your mirror.
See the signs.
Remember awareness and acknowledgement is the first step.
Consciously avoid hubris or ego blocking you from seeing the signals.
Talk to friends, family and confidantes.
Consider seeking professional clinical support.
Take action and change things up.
Modify your business and personal life.
Allow time to heal and get back to your true self.
We need you.
Your family and friends need you.
Your customers and employees need you.
Some resources available if you, or someone you know, is struggling:
I write blogs & videos just like this one on business, productivity and human development. If you'd like it delivered straight to your inbox head to https://darrenkbourke.com/the-fourth-moon-blog and let me know your email.
Email me at darren@darrenkbourke.com to schedule a meeting (at no cost or obligation) to discuss how I can help you, your business and your team this year.