Making your way into the C-Suite has its perks. The pay can be enviable and the prestige is what many MBA students dream of. It’s the payoff for many an entrepreneur who spent decades wearing all the hats in their start-up. But, as research now shows, there’s a hidden downside to making it big-time in corporate America.
Over the last few years, a number of studies have shown that executives operating in the top tiers of management and entrepreneurship are experiencing a unique mental health crisis that can no longer be ignored. Specifically, they’re experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression directly related to their roles that in turn are having a physical impact including increased illness, addiction and thoughts of suicide.
How can someone with access to the best healthcare, high levels of personal flexibility and the financial freedom that comes with high-level jobs, struggle so hard?
It turns out that those leading a company face many of the same pressures that professional athletes, actors and musicians face. They face an immense amount of pressure to continue to produce results, while under the close scrutiny of employees, consumers and even the local media.
They’re also doing it in an environment where so many things are outside of their control such as inflation, increasing competition and changing consumer trends. To make matters worse, if their mental or physical health begins to deteriorate because of the job, it creates a cycle in which their work performance declines, leading to more anxiety and depression.
Two Crucial Lifelines — Therapy and Community
It doesn’t have to be this way. More and more executives, just like athletes and performers, are realizing they cannot realistically expect themselves to deliver results without taking care of their mental game. A trained therapist familiar with the executive or entrepreneurial journey, as well as the support that comes from being in a community with other executives and entrepreneurs, can help.
Aiding the acceptance of therapy and peer support groups among executives is the realization that support for their mental health doesn’t just help on the bad days — it helps them make the most of the good days. Leaders are learning that a company’s bottom line and employee culture can actually outperform their competitors if the C-suite chooses to proactively utilize therapists and support groups, just like they utilize consultants and coaches.
If you’re an executive who’s ready to have a trained professional in your corner as you fight the good fight, it’s time to head to the internet or make a few phone calls to find local mental health professionals.
When it comes to finding a good therapist, consider looking for professionals who became a therapist later in life after their own careers in corporate America, as well as therapists who are themselves entrepreneurs and running a well-respected practice.
For community and support from other executives, spend some time researching and considering involvement in peer advisory groups like Vistage, Young Presidents Organization or Entrepreneurs Organization.
Sign up for Daily E-news
