> This battle is the worst, because you are fighting it with yourself — not with anyone else. It’s damn hard to win against someone who knows you inside out and knows your every weak spot (which are plenty).<p>This line of thinking is one of many general problems with the world. Many of us walk around fighting a battle in our head that does not exist. The last line stands out the most because it presumes there could be a winner. How can that be if you're the one who's making the rules?<p>It gets worse for founders because there's always something to be doing and always some problem going on. A couple of mental hops and they've now incorrectly associated their peace with the success of their business. This is bound to fail even if you do very well -- you'll always be fighting "problems".<p>Forgiveness goes a long way. Learning how to forgive others will teach you how to better forgive yourself and visa-versa. It's not noble to lash yourself on the back with a mental whip because you didn't live up to some superficial aim.<p>I don't care what happens to this stupid body of mine -- I'll die someday like the rest of you. This awareness shields me from damaging myself with superficial qualities that change with each passing whim.<p>Finally, I don't suggest pumping your body full of drugs to protect yourself from your thoughts. First, work with the thoughts and forgiveness then move onto drugs if they would help you better find the peace you need to forgive and let go.
Startups can be super challenging for all of the reasons outlined in that article. We put together this guide to help explain some of the mechanics that make startups so stressful. It is primarily based on Jerry Colonna's work. He is a really good guy who has done some of the deepest thinking in this space. I highly recommend his work. You can find it here: <a href="https://www.reboot.io" rel="nofollow">https://www.reboot.io</a><p>The guide is here:<p><a href="http://www.7cups.com/startup-support/" rel="nofollow">http://www.7cups.com/startup-support/</a><p>If you have thoughts/ideas on how we can make it better, then please let us know. Thanks!
I'm glad to see someone discuss their internal struggles so candidly. I also have a difficult time with maintaining internal peace, and your recommendations raise an interesting point.<p>Human connection keeps us sane, and it's so easy to use social networks in an attempt to remain connected. But in the process, the actual connection is missed, instead giving rise to feelings such as shame, anger, and fear. I believe in the case of mental health, social networking actually amplifies internal problems because of how one-dimensional the view of others is.<p>How many people do you know that would post when they are feeling depressed, or anxious about their life? Maybe if we saw a more holistic view of people on our networks, they wouldn't have such a detrimental impact on mental health.
Bipolar business owner here. Staying centered and level in the face of business ups and downs has been difficult. Very difficult at times. My reactions to stress and difficult situations, to successes too, are often imbalanced. Still I've remained successful. Here's how:<p>Talk therapy. I see a therapist weekly to keep the window's clean. To validate that what I believe isn't exaggerated by my varying states.<p>Medication. Very low does Lithium every night.<p>Sleep. I make sure I get it.<p>Exercise has been tough to execute on, but is proven - as much as meds - to help with bipolar and GAD.<p>Meditation I try to do once a week as part of yoga. I find it helps.<p>Family and friends who understand and can be supportive also are a huge help... but are often in the minority of people I know.
I don't really see what's unique about founders here. Don't these challenges and recommendations apply to pretty much anyone trying to live a life of purpose, no matter how large or small?
It's interesting that two of the six things that the author suggests negatively effect mental health are social media. I think that a better understanding of the impact of habits driven by social media will be a great step forward. Of course, they've hardly been such a pervasive force for very long, so the long-term effects could not be well understood at this point. I see this generally negative sentiment increasingly often, though, and I definitely think there's a lot of truth to it.
I'm glad to see that more and more people are talking about this. People like Evgeny Tchebotarev, Rand Fishkin and Joel Gascoigne are pioneers for openly talking about depression, loneliness and stress. The dichotomy between what we really feel and what we need to show others can be really heavy and most of the times even friends and family are really open to understand what's going on.
The stress, fear, euphoria, depression associated with starting a startup is not natural (or at least not normal) and I'm sure most founders experience emotions on a level that would qualify them as mentally ill at some point. I've just accepted that it comes with the territory.
Public Service Announcement.<p>If you are ill, go see a doctor. Skip the travel, spiritual enlightenment, and other ad-hoc treatment; cut to the chase - visit a psychiatrist. If you wouldn't treat your own diabetes, you shouldn't treat your own mental health.<p>Often times an afflicted person would not have the energy to make the visit, precisely due to the condition that needs treatment. If this happens to you, ask your friends for help.