Hey everyone. Happy Holiday’s. I was curious to hear any stories about small business owners that have depression on here.
I am a small business owner that has an online service business primarily helping other small local business owners in their cities get more traffic and customers. I also have depression and it’s not due to any situation, it’s just there.
For those of you that don’t have depression, I explain it other like a migraine, severe headache, or even a very bad upset stomach from eating something bad. You can either wait for it to pass (leaving you useless for a day or even days) or you can push through and try your hardest to make it work. (and just deal)
My depression can actually wipe me out. But because I have clients, I just push through to keep them successful.
I was just curious if there are any other small business owners here that that have depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses? I know for me, it makes normal everyday business situations, that much harder. But I love what I do so I just push through.
Would love to hear any of your stories or how it impacts you. Thanks and I’m wishing you all good success as we get closer to the end of the year. May next year be even better :)
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Antidepressants and I watch the sugar and caffeine or I’ll spiral
I’m glad to hear you know what helps and what things can trigger it.
I’m not sure if I depressed or not but there are days I don’t want to continue doing this and the future seems bleak. I constantly feel I’m falling behind my peers with good paying jobs and that I am letting my family down by not having a job with a company 401k/insurance and benefits.
I haven’t been diagnosed with depression though. I shared that I feel down sometimes with my doctor but she gave me some vitamins for brain health (I don’t notice any difference). It’s been about 6 years now running this business and I am tired but I don’t know what else I could do…
I actually have been applying for jobs the last year or so but haven’t received a call back for an interview so that doesn’t give me much confidence to get a “normal” job.
I’m really sorry to hear how you feel. Yeah burnout and depression is rough. You want to leave the business you own and get a “normal” job? Do you really think that will be the answer?
I’m not sure if it’s the answer. I know I wouldn’t be running an entire business that way, I wouldn’t have near the responsibility. We are currently open 7 days a week from 9 am - 10pm and I have to be available at all times.
I have experienced everything you mentioned. Also have/had service business. As you mentioned, we can show up for clients because we are committed to that but other tasks seem impossible sometimes.
Two thoughts:
- I saw a counselor for 2 years in college. It was “free” as a service of the school. It helped IMMENSELY. I have tried to find another counselor off and on since then and haven’t been able to line anything up for one reason or another.
- I saw a naturopath and got on testosterone and it has helped with way more than just my “performance.” I hardly remember my 10 day ten year anniversary trip to Greece with my wife because I was so riddled with anxiety and depression. I had plenty of money, business was good, I’m telling you, everything in my life pointed to an awesome trip. I felt like I was on the verge of throwing up from anxiety the entire trip. It wasn’t just isolated to that trip of course but that’s just where I really realized I had to do something. I got on testosterone because I wasn’t feeling 100% in general and wow. Let me tell you, I hardly ever have anxiety now, I feel great, I’m motivated, I quit letting people walk all over me. I can’t say enough good about it.
I’m really glad your counselor helped, that’s great. Wow so testosterone was your answer? That’s amazing. It’s amazing how many things cause our anxiety. What were your symptoms before you got on T?
I feel a bit odd writing this stuff down.
(1 man business), physical labour. Very depressed, never any meds or any self medication. Pretty sure I’m chronically fatigued (I am, just not diagnosed). I’ve been depressed for years. Life just goes on by, and I keep getting shit done. I move slowly, as I just don’t have the energy to “pump it out” at work. Works busy, customers are very happy, but I can’t seem to earn more than a low income. Somehow doing long hours with all the invoicing and paperwork ontop. Home life is busy, kids and all. Always something happening.
No one really notices, and I don’t think anyone would really care.
I don’t know how to look after myself, and I worry life’s passing by. I can’t really enjoy anything and the only thing I’m good at is working…
When you step back and look at work, family, and your health, what is the biggest problem. You have a genie and he can fix the big problem. Which one is that?
My health.
Yeah but more specifically I mean. You gotta fix the building blocks and start to solve things so the whole picture gets better. It’s a pain and a process but that’s how it works.
Literally had this discussion with my co-founder this morning. Having bad days as a founder is normal. Days where the pressure is too much, you can’t get a grip on anything or make progress with anything, or even get the most basic tasks done. In Australia we call them “Doona Days”, doona being the Aussie word for duvet, so days you just stay in bed. This is fine. It’s ok. Nothing is going to collapse because you spend a day ignoring it. Give yourself permission to be human and imperfect. Just keep breathing. Pick it all up again tomorrow.
This is solid advice. Thank you so much for sharing.
45 days for me. Sold my manufacturing facility I built at age 27. Made a ton of cash but lost the satisfaction of conducting biz. Find something to Give you satisfaction.
Yeah, for sure! I’m a handyman, I service homes around 500k and up. I’ve been in a tumultuous relationship for a couple years that has me seriously depressed at times. For me I refuse to work when I’m upset. I make mistakes some of which cost tons of money and time, some of which could injure me. Plus i don’t want ANY Customer to see me with my head hanging low , it’s bad for business.
I’m really sorry to hear this. That has to be so frustrating. Have you gotten to the point to hire others to help out as handymen? This way you get something out of it. No mistakes, no loss of time and money, no injuries to you. Also no customers see you feeling down.
Depression, stress, anxiety usually comes from ignoring things that need your attention.
If you’ve had lifelong depression you may have trauma that you you’ve never dealt with.
Focus on a good diet, exercise, meditation, stretch.
Depression and PTSD here.
End of the day the job has to get done.
Nobody there to do it if I’m not.
Clients may accept the odd hiccup but I’m not letting my mental illness be an excuse. Some days that just means I’m really fucking stoned while I work.
I’m usually really stoned.
Oh I’m really sorry to hear this. I don’t have PTSD but I can’t imagine going through that. I was diagnosed with panic disorder so it may be PTSD when I’m in situations that make my brain think this will happen again.
But I don’t know if it’s diagnosable as PTSD. Your stoned comment really made me laugh. Does it help a lot? Like day and night? or takes the edge off a bit to mellow out? Would love to hear more on that.
Hey there! First off, hats off to you for managing your business while navigating through depression. That’s no small feat, and it’s pretty admirable how you’re pushing through. While I’m not a business owner myself, I’ve interacted with quite a few who’ve shared similar experiences.
Many talk about how their mental health challenges add an extra layer of complexity to the already demanding life of running a business. It’s like playing a tough video game on hard mode – you’ve got all the usual challenges, plus some extra ‘boss battles’ in the form of depression or anxiety.
What’s inspiring, though, is how many find unique ways to cope and even thrive. Some have talked about setting flexible schedules to accommodate their needs, finding supportive communities (like this one!), or incorporating mindfulness and exercise into their routine. It’s all about finding what blend of strategies work for you.
Your comparison of depression to a physical ailment is spot-on. It highlights how mental health issues can be just as debilitating and deserve the same level of understanding and care.
Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and look after yourself when you need to. After all, you’re the most important asset your business has. And as you said, pushing through because you love what you do is a testament to your strength and passion.
Wishing you continued success and a brighter, lighter new year! Keep sharing your story – it’s powerful and definitely helps others in similar boats feel less alone. 🚀🌟
Yeah I always say it this way so it’s relatable. Not everyone has it or thinks it’s sadness that can be changed with some ice cream or a funny movie. Sometimes it helps, but many times not. So the physical ailment at least makes them identify with it, even if it’s only for a moment. Thank you for the kind words and wishing you the same. Thanks for the encouragement.
Look into spravato if you have insurance…
I will thanks!
See a therapist who specializes in ketamine-assisted therapy or psychedelic-assisted therapy. The internet is full of misinformation 🙏🏼
Or even just microdosing if it’s right for you
Yeah, I would love to look more into that. I’ve read about it for like 6 years now, just haven’t done it.
for me, running my business isnt a choice, i’m forced to do it. my depression makes it hard to get out of the bed sometimes, and i’ve been late to every job i’ve worked at. at my last job, i had a meeting scheduled with my boss to go over my tardiness, and i was 15 minutes late to that meeting as well.
running a business is the only way i can survive in this world, and thats what keeps me going
Wow, this kinda hit home to me. I’m really sorry to hear about that. That had to have been so difficult being late because of it. But it’s not your fault. It’s like having a cramp while running. It happens.
I ended up leaving a corporate job because I was fed up with how they operated and my depression was just the thing that pushed me over to leave it. I can really relate to you on this. Thank you so much for sharing.
Every small business owner has some mental instability one way or another. It’s what drives us to not take the safe route and work for someone else.
Well mine was kinda forced at the end due to the mental health stuff. But yeah, we’re all weirdos haha. I love your take on it.
Two businesses that run 90% absentee. I don’t have enough work to do. I never seen a therapist or checked to get diagnosed for depression but sometimes I think I am. I struggle to get out of bed many days. I take too many naps. Struggle to keep myself busy, which makes me go crazy. I start to overthink. I crave for having a purpose. I want my time to feel valuable. I’m alone all the time. I see friends and do hobbies but it’s still not enough to keep my occupied. Even if I wanted to work more, I became bored of my business. I want something new. Currently trying to work on a new business to keep my busy and that’s lonely doing it alone as well.
You have 2 businesses that run without out you 90%? If that’s what you mean, that is amazing. Congrats.
Yeah the naps and lack of getting out of bed sounds like depression. That’s what happens to me. I love naps though. I’m in my 30’s and really love a nap. haha.
Mindfulness helps with the overthinking. Mind chatter is the worst. Yeah I think it’s normal to become bored with business. I’m still trying to get to that next level in mine so I push everyday and study business a lot in general. But that’s how my brain works. Learn and learn and learn and learn. It’s amazing yet…exhausting.
I completely relate to the loneliness though. Feel free to DM me anytime and thank you for sharing. You’ll get to that new place. Where you won’t be bored ever again.
Small business owner. 24/7 access business that Make really good money but have severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and substance abuse. I have owned the business for the last 10 years. Being a business owner is a grind. Some days I wake up and wish I had a regular 9-5 job.
I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m glad the business is doing well though. I’m trying to get mine to that next level while going through the rest. It’s definitely a grind but I hated all the ones I worked for. Never going back, that’s for sure. But I know a lot of people that love the clock in clock out get paid mentality. It’s definitely easier that’s for sure.
Thanks OP, Remember to allocate some time for yourself. Hitting the gym and talking to a therapist has helped and recommend it for everyone but especially entrepreneurs, we deal with lots of ups and downs with running a business.