Fulfillment versus Success
Today is Cinco de Mayo; a nice excuse for many to go out and celebrate.
But for me, I celebrate the fact that I’m still here, especially when millions of others in my position no longer are.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I think it’s important to reveal this side of myself that many others may be surprised to know about.
Uncomfortable things, like how I contemplated suicide when I was in my 20s, the panic attacks in my 30s, or how not properly addressing my depression, anxiety, and ADD for so many years resulted in lost jobs, relationships, legal issues, and crazy amounts of money.
Twenty-one years ago today, I was at a packed club in Miami overflowing with jubilant people consuming mass amounts of Coronas and Margueritas – and I never felt more alone in my life. While there, I began plotting how to end it all: That night when I got home, with as many pills as I could find.
Fortunately, I got so drunk that I was unable to follow through. A couple days later, I adopted my cat, Hope – which is what she gave me.
Since then, there have been countless things to be grateful for in my life. But mental illness defies reason and I still struggle at times. That I’m still here and standing tall has reaffirmed to me that nothing in life is insurmountable.
One of the articles I’m most proud of was shortly after NFL legend Junior Seau tragically took his own life. You can read it here.
The correlation between mental health and a career is something grossly underdiscussed, especially solopreneurs who may feel isolated enough as it is.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Solopreneurship:
Research shows that solopreneurs are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and burnout. The pressure of being solely responsible for the success of a business can take its toll on mental health.
A study by the University of California found that 72 percent of entrepreneurs reported mental health concerns, with 30 percent reporting depression and 27 percent reporting anxiety. This highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health when running a business.
This month, I’m making more of a concerted effort to check in regularly with friends and family. It would be beyond rewarding to me if it somehow inspires others to do the same.If any of you can relate, please know you are not alone, it absolutely gets better, I am most assuredly one of many in your support network, and will gladly pay it forward to give you all the hope that was given to me. #MentalHealthAwareness #HopePrevails
Top 4 Practical Tips for Managing Mental Health as a Solopreneur:
- Practice self-care: Make time regularly for activities that are proven to put you in a better mental state. This could be anything from writing in a gratitude journal and taking a walk in nature to meditation and exercise.
- Set boundaries: It’s important to have a clear separation between work and personal life. Set boundaries around working hours and stick to them. Professional success means nothing if you’re not in a position to appreciate it.
- Stay connected: It can be isolating running a business on your own, so make sure to stay connected with friends, family, and other entrepreneurs. No functional person is an island.
- Seek professional help: Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you are struggling with your mental health. There is no shame in asking for support.