For World Mental Health Day, on 10 October 2024, he discusses how startup founders need to reflect on their mental wellbeing and how launching and scaling a business is a thrilling experience, full of high stakes and adrenaline, but it comes with unique mental health challenges. Too often, entrepreneurs become consumed by their business, losing sight of the all-important balance between work and life – or as he likes to put it, ‘life-work balance’ (prioritising life first!).

There’s a misconception that mental health is just about supporting those in the depths of a struggle; it's also about taking proactive steps to build resilience before things take a toll. This is particularly important for founders because, while we may believe we are in control of everything, life has a way of presenting challenges – just as it does for anyone else. If you’re not equipped with the mental and emotional capacity to deal with those obstacles, both your business and personal wellbeing can suffer.

The passion that leads to an 'addiction to business'

There are typically two key reasons people start their own businesses: either they feel they can do it better than their current employer, or they turn a passion or hobby into a business. Both of these reasons lead to an intense drive that can spark extraordinary growth and achievement.

However, this passion can also become a double-edged sword. From my experience as a founder 15 years ago, I became so consumed by my business that I lost my identity in the process. My work became my entire world. I forgot that I was still Gary, an ordinary person who needed social connection and fulfilment outside of work. All my conversations revolved around the business, and I realised I had nothing else to fall back on. When that happens, you’ve become trapped in what I call an 'addiction to business.'

This addiction is subtle at first – it feels like you’re simply working hard for success. But over time, it can completely take over, leaving little room for personal fulfilment or mental breaks. On my bad days, it was the only thing I could do to enjoy the day, creating a cycle of hyperfocus that led me to work endlessly.

The importance of life-work balance

One of the biggest mental health challenges for entrepreneurs is maintaining a healthy life-work balance. The excitement of building a startup can make us forget about the need for balance. Founders often push themselves beyond their limits, believing that being 'all-in' is the only way to succeed. But to sustain that drive and energy, you need to be at your best – and that requires looking after yourself.

It's not just about managing stress in the moment; it’s about building resilience. As entrepreneurs, we need to prepare for the inevitable challenges life will throw our way. If we don’t have the capacity – mentally, emotionally, or physically – to deal with these challenges, our business will suffer. Worse still, our wellbeing will take a hit, potentially leading to burnout or other mental health issues.

Resilience isn’t something you can build overnight. It requires daily practice – setting boundaries, making time for rest, and understanding that there’s more to life than your business.

Recognising the signs of burnout

Startup founders often find themselves working long hours, and it’s easy to get into a routine of not switching off. If you’re constantly thinking about your business, even when you should be relaxing, it's a sign that work is taking over.

The early signs of burnout include poor sleep, feeling exhausted despite taking time off, and losing interest in activities or relationships you once enjoyed. I noticed that when I could no longer talk about anything other than my work, I was in trouble. At that point, I realised I needed variety in my life, but I had already become so hyperfocused on my business that it was difficult to step back.

My advice to founders is simple: set clear boundaries. Designate 'off hours' for personal time and stick to them. Turn off your work phone and avoid checking emails outside of those times. Pay attention to your physical and mental health. If you’re constantly tired, anxious, or if your relationships are suffering, take a step back and reassess your priorities.

Building resilience as a startup founder

Mental health isn’t just for those struggling – it’s about recognising when we can proactively build resilience. As founders, we’re often faced with the same personal challenges as anyone else, yet we expect ourselves to handle them while also managing the demands of running a business. This is why resilience is so important; it allows us to maintain our wellbeing and business performance, even when life gets tough.

By taking care of your mental health, you’re not only protecting yourself, but you’re also setting your business up for long-term success. A healthier, more balanced founder is better equipped to make good decisions, lead effectively, and push through challenges without compromising their wellbeing.

Advocating for leadership mental health

As a Leadership Mental Health Advocate, I’ve made it my mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the startup and leadership world. It’s clear that founders and leaders face unique pressures, from the intense drive to succeed to the isolation that often comes with being at the top. Yet, mental health remains an often overlooked aspect of leadership. This is why we need to keep having these conversations – to normalise the experience of seeking support and prioritising self-care.

The statistics speak for themselves. A recent study by Startup Snapshot found that a staggering 72% of founders struggle with their mental health. This highlights the urgent need for open dialogue around the pressures entrepreneurs face, as well as practical strategies for preventing burnout and fostering resilience.

In my work, I focus on encouraging leaders to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, helping them see that mental health challenges don’t diminish their ability to lead or grow their business. Instead, by confronting these challenges, they can become more self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and ultimately, more effective in their roles.

Mental health advocacy for leaders isn't about weakness – it’s about strength. When we break the stigma, we not only empower individual founders, but we also create a culture where it’s okay to ask for help. This culture shift is crucial for long-term success, both personally and professionally.

If you’re part of the 72%, you’re not alone. It’s time we start addressing the mental health of those who lead and build the companies that shape our economy.

Let’s break the stigma of mental health and wellbeing in startups!

Breaking the stigma of mental health in leadership is key to building a culture where founders feel comfortable asking for help. Vulnerability and authenticity are not weaknesses; they are strengths that allow you to build trust with your team, investors, and customers. It’s time to move past the belief that you need to do everything alone or that seeking support is a sign of failure.

As we reflect on World Mental Health Day, let’s remind ourselves that being a successful entrepreneur means more than just growing your business. It’s about growing as a person, too, and that starts with putting your own wellbeing first. So, take a step back, breathe, and remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup.