Most individuals experiencing the entrepreneur life understand the importance of self-care, whether it involves fueling their bodies for more energy to navigate those endless work days or becoming more mindful of unhealthy habits. However, despite that knowledge, entrepreneurs committed to the relentless “grind culture” can fall prey to physical and mental health problems. Here are four common challenges entrepreneurs and high-achieving women in business can experience:

Risk of Addiction

By their very nature, most people who are living the entrepreneur life are passionate and somewhat perfection-seeking individuals. Some have a compulsive drive to keep going despite health or relationship issues, which can cross the line into addiction. Many entrepreneurs can have obsessive thoughts relating to their passions, for example, checking emails and following social media obsessively. There is also the entrepreneur who struggles to wind down after a long day or operates in a vacuum without a supportive circle, for whom alcohol or other substances may become a crutch. Ideally, consumption of such is effectively managed to avoid having it impact one’s business or overall health. In instances where alcohol dependency may become overwhelming, fortunately, there is rehab for alcohol addiction. As with any form of addiction, help must be sought expeditiously.

Higher Risk of Anxiety

The stress entrepreneurs are under can lead to incredible anxiety. Knowing whether you can pay your bills at the end of the month, depending on the outcome of the next deal, can self-perpetuate and result in an inability to function normally. People in business worry about their business, meaning they often struggle to take time away or even spend time with their families without worrying. Resistance to work-life balance and high-functioning anxiety can lead to burnout. Entrepreneurs who consistently second guess their actions, regularly feel they need to prepare more for the next meeting, etc., will impact their health and ability to function.

Self-Perception Problems

While it is common for people to be the face of their brand, many entrepreneurs view their business more so as who they are rather than what they do. Their self-esteem is often measured solely by the success of their company. When a business turns a profit, so do the emotional reserves, but losing money can result in the anxiety challenges previously mentioned. Many entrepreneurs thrive on the notion that as long as they work hard enough, this will cure all ailments. But working more often means resting less, and working hard only sometimes equates with working effectively. The reality is that most startups fail within five years, despite the best efforts of those involved. Entrepreneurs must always retain their identity as a human first and look at failure as a lesson rather than a confirmation that they are inadequate.

Depression or Mental Health Issues

Isolation can compound depressive symptoms because of the long hours many solopreneurs work alone. Rarely is there equality when it comes to the “pouring process.” Few entrepreneurs pour as much attention into their own self-care as they do into their business and other people.

 When this occurs, energy reserves become depleted, resulting in the above issues as well as depression and/or self-isolation. Depression is not just displayed by feeling low; it can manifest in weight fluctuations, sleep difficulties, or relationship concerns. 

To be a successful, high-achieving businesswoman, it is critical to slay lingering demons first. Many people use running a business as a solution to their woes without realizing that running an organization can often unmask and compound what is already there. Healing traumas matters.

As a certified life coach, one of my frequent reminders to clients who are living the entrepreneur life is this- “You can’t run a booming business living a busted life. Get your life right, and success and money will likely follow.”