87.7% of entrepreneurs struggle with at least one mental health issue

https://founderreports.com/entrepreneur-mental-health-statistics/

In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, mental well-being often takes a backseat to the demands of the daily grind.

We sacrifice our health and well-being to pursue dreams and success. This can be a worthy endeavor, but at what cost?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Founder Reports, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs with the specific issues they face. Over the past month, we’ve conducted a survey of entrepreneurs and business owners from around the world (227 entrepreneurs representing 46 countries) to gather insightful data to help us better serve our audience.

Let’s dive deeper to uncover the highlights of the data. The full survey results are included at the end.

1) 87.7% of entrepreneurs struggle with at least one mental health issue

Our survey asked participants to indicate which mental health issues they face in their daily lives. Twelve specific issues were listed, plus the option to select “none of the above.” 87.7% of respondents selected at least one mental health issue, and only 12.3% said that they don’t struggle with any of the listed issues.

Beyond the façade of success lie silent struggles. We’ll highlight some specifics below, but here’s a quick summary of the results:

Challenges:

Anxiety: 50.2%
High stress: 45.8%
Financial worries: 39.2%
Burnout: 34.4%
Imposter syndrome: 31.7%
Poor work-life balance: 26.9%
Loneliness or isolation: 26.9%
Insomnia or other sleep disorders: 21.6%
Depression: 19.8%
Relationship strain: 13.7%
Hopelessness: 12.3%
No direction or purpose: 11.9%
None of the above: 12.3%

2) 50.2% of entrepreneurs struggle with anxiety

Our survey showed that more than half of entrepreneurs struggle with anxiety. It’s no surprise that the high-pressure environment makes entrepreneurs more susceptible to anxiety, but our survey showed the concerning reality that many entrepreneurs face.

According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, 31.1% of U.S. adults (general population) experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Although 31.1% is a significant portion of the population, it’s drastically lower than the percentage of entrepreneurs who struggle with anxiety.

Pushing Past Anxiety

“In my work, we don’t work on trying to prevent anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling just like happiness and madness. Feelings are temporary internal states that we want to approach non-judgementally and descriptively. If the focus is on preventing anxiety, that’s focusing on the outcome which we cannot control. We want our attention on the process which is under our control.”
Joanna Hardis, LISW-S

We published an interview with Joanna Hardis, LISW-S, that provides practical tips entrepreneurs and business owners can implement to handle anxiety. If you’re among the 50.2% of entrepreneurs who face challenges with anxiety, please refer to this resource.

3) 34.4% of entrepreneurs experience burnout

Long hours and a singular focus on work often lead to burnout, and our survey showed that more than 1/3 of entrepreneurs face this issue.

“Entrepreneurs, while often finding joy and fulfillment in their autonomy and achievements, may experience burnout differently due to their unique work dynamics. Their work and personal lives often intersect, intensifying the impact of burnout. This can erode their self-esteem and spark existential doubts more acutely than in traditional jobs.”
Burnout coach Gabriela Flax

To learn practical ways to prevent or overcome burnout, please read this in-depth interview with Gabriela Flax.

4) 26.9% of entrepreneurs have a poor work-life balance

“For entrepreneurs, the blend of personal and professional life often becomes so seamless it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.”
Burnout coach Gabriela Flax

Entrepreneurs often have a hard time turning off. You may work long hours, think about work even when you’re “off,” and have trouble sleeping or resting. Finding a way to create a healthy balance is essential.

“It’s important to recognize that there’s a cost to everything. The cost of working too much is not doing well personally in your life, health, and relationships. The cost of not working all the time might mean your business grows slower, you miss an opportunity, or you don’t do ‘everything’ all at once. But what good is having a successful business if your family suffers for it?”
Audrey Schoen, LMFT

5) More entrepreneurs said they were concerned about mental health than physical health

While mental health and physical health are both important, the need for mental health is often overlooked or not prioritized. We thought it was telling to see that 58.6% of survey respondents said they were concerned about their mental health, compared to 54.6% who said they were concerned about their physical health.

In coping, we turn to self-care—light workouts, relaxation, and reading.

Self-Care Practices:

Light workout: 64.3%
Rest/relaxation: 56.8%
Reading: 48%
Intense workout: 42.7%
Television: 38.8%
Meditation: 38.3%
Breathing exercise: 32.6%
Prayer: 27.3%
Other: 19.4%
None of the above: 2.6%

Set Clear Boundaries

“First and foremost, I set clear boundaries between work and my personal life, making sure to carve out time for things I enjoy and to relax. I’ve found that regular exercise really helps in keeping both my mind and body feeling good. Talking with other entrepreneurs who understand what I’m going through has been a big help; it’s like we’re all in this together.”
Ryan Draving, Founder of The Moving Company

6) 45.8% of entrepreneurs struggle with high stress

It’s a given that entrepreneurship and stress go hand in hand. Every entrepreneur will face high stress at some point, so managing stress is essential for long-term success.

“Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. So rest is actually incredibly important. And rest doesn’t have to be sleep, just something that truly feels restorative. A mindfulness practice is a great tool, but it could be knitting, or playing with your kids, or just something you do because you enjoy it. When we love our work, and it becomes the ONLY thing we do, we often lose the ability to recharge and use different parts of our brains.”
Dr. Anne Welsh, Clinical Psychologist & Executive Coach

7) 21.6% of entrepreneurs experience insomnia or other sleep disorders

Of course, it’s essential for everyone, entrepreneur or not, to get enough sleep. However, the long hours and high-pressure life of an entrepreneur can contribute to insomnia or other sleep disorders.

8) 26.9% of entrepreneurs struggle with loneliness and isolation

While mental health issues like anxiety, high stress, and burnout are often associated with entrepreneurship, loneliness and isolation are often overlooked. However, our survey indicated that 26.9% of entrepreneurs struggle with loneliness and isolation.

This is especially significant for those who run online businesses and work remotely. However, even entrepreneurs and business owners who work in an office may also feel isolated from employees or other team members.

9) Only 18.5% of respondents said they were aware of mental health resources specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners

Here at Founder Reports, we’re creating a hub of practical content and resources on various mental health issues created specifically for entrepreneurs. We already have free guides and resources to help with issues like:

These resources are available from our Founder Life page, and more are on the way. Since most entrepreneurs are unfamiliar with mental health resources created specifically for them, we see a strong need for this content.

Bridging Disparities and Tailoring Support

Digging deeper, disparities emerge. Women bear the brunt of financial worries and imposter syndrome, while men battle burnout and depression.

As age advances, anxiety tightens its grip. Tailored interventions addressing demographic-specific needs are essential.

10) Female entrepreneurs are more likely than males to struggle with financial worries

Overall, 39.2% of survey respondents said they worry about money (only anxiety and high stress were more common issues, according to our survey). However, the issue seems to be more common with female entrepreneurs than males. 44.1% of females reported that they worry about finances, compared to 37.1% of males.

Many people associate entrepreneurs and business owners with financial and material wealth, but the reality is many entrepreneurs face financial uncertainty. The unpredictable and inconsistent income often leads to financial worries and concerns.

11) Female entrepreneurs are more likely than males to struggle with imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is another issue that seems to impact women disproportionately. 41.2% of female entrepreneurs said they struggle with imposter syndrome, compared to only 27.8% of men.

If you face this issue, check out these tips for overcoming imposter syndrome.

12) Male entrepreneurs are more likely than females to face burnout

Burnout was the fourth most common issue experienced by our survey respondents (behind anxiety, high stress, and financial worries). However, 36.1% of men said they struggle with burnout compared to 30.9% of women.

13) Male entrepreneurs are more likely than females to have poor work-life balance

This stat likely impacts the previous stat on burnout. 29.1% of male entrepreneurs feel they have a poor work-life balance, compared to 22.1% of female entrepreneurs. Of course, work-life balance and burnout are often linked, so it’s not surprising that more men experience burnout if they also struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

14) Male entrepreneurs are more likely than females to struggle with depression

22.2% of male entrepreneurs admitted to struggling with depression, compared to only 14.7% of female entrepreneurs.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 10.3% of adult females struggle with depression, compared to 6.2% of adult males. While our survey flip-flopped the comparison among genders, the more significant issue is that depression appears to be far more common among entrepreneurs than the general population.

15) Female entrepreneurs are more likely than males to have a support system in place

A culture of empathy and understanding is vital in order to navigate struggles without fear of judgment.

We asked participants if they had a support system in place to communicate openly with others about mental health struggles, and the responses were drastically different among men and women. 70.6% of female entrepreneurs said they do have a support system in place, compared to only 52.5% of males.

This gap shows the need for male entrepreneurs to connect with other colleagues, friends, family members, and even professional coaches or therapists who provide support when needed. This collection of entrepreneur communities may be helpful for finding places to connect with others.

Be a Proactive Networker

“Running your own business or being an entrepreneur who works from home can sometimes be a lonely experience. One way to overcome this loneliness is to build and utilize your networks. Join B2B groups, business breakfasts, local and online networking events; acquire the contact sheet from each event and reach out to those on the list.”
Emily Maguire, Managing Director and Career Consultant at Reflections Career Coaching

16) Entrepreneurs 35 and over are more likely to struggle with anxiety than those 34 and under

Although anxiety was the most common mental health struggle among our respondents, the results indicate that it’s more significant for older entrepreneurs and less common among younger entrepreneurs. 54.5% of entrepreneurs 35 and over said they struggle with anxiety, compared to 47.2% of those 34 and under.

17) Entrepreneurs 34 and under are more likely to struggle with loneliness and isolation than those 35 and over

Loneliness and isolation were more common among younger respondents. 30.7% of entrepreneurs 34 and under claimed to struggle with loneliness and isolation, compared to 21.2% of those 35 years and older.

This may be influenced by the fact that a higher percentage of those 35 and over have kids and families, and younger entrepreneurs are more likely to be single.

Charting the Path Forward

In conclusion, the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about navigating the internal landscape of the mind as it is about external success. By acknowledging the realities of mental health struggles, fostering supportive communities, and providing accessible resources and interventions, we can create a more empathetic entrepreneurial ecosystem where mental health is prioritized and valued.

Together, let’s break the silence, bridge divides, and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future for all entrepreneurs.

“Entrepreneurs and startup founders can increase their productivity and effectiveness as leaders to the extent they take care of their mental health. Taking care of the mental health aspect is like driving a car with lower emissions. It’s more sustainable for the environment and a more pleasant journey overall for the driver and the passengers alike.”
Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer Dr. Ling Lam

Full Survey Results

Below, we’ll share the full survey results so you can see details that haven’t been featured or included in the statistics above.

Total responses: 227 entrepreneurs and business owners from 46 different countries.

Age range:

18-24: 14.5%
25-34: 41.4%
35-44: 30%
45-54: 11%
55-64: 1.8%
65+: 0.9%
Prefer not to answer: 0.4%

Gender:

Male: 69.6%
Female: 30%
Prefer not to answer: 0.4%

Race:

White: 55.1%
Asian: 29.5%
Middle Eastern or North African: 3.5%
Multiracial or Multiethnic: 3.1%
Hispanic or Latino: 2.2%
Black or African American: 1.8%
Other race or ethnicity: 3.1%
Prefer not to answer: 1.8%

Challenges:

Respondents could select all of the issues/challenges that they face.

Anxiety: 50.2%
High stress: 45.8%
Financial worries: 39.2%
Burnout: 34.4%
Imposter syndrome: 31.7%
Poor work-life balance: 26.9%
Loneliness or isolation: 26.9%
Insomnia or other sleep disorders: 21.6%
Depression: 19.8%
Relationship strain: 13.7%
Hopelessness: 12.3%
No direction or purpose: 11.9%
None of the above: 12.3%

Do you feel like you have a support system in place that allows you to communicate openly with others about mental health struggles?

Yes: 58.1%
No: 25.6%
Unsure: 16.3%

Are you concerned about any of the following?

Respondents could select more than one.

Physical health: 54.6%
Mental health: 58.6%
Spiritual health: 25.1%
None of the above: 21.1%

Do you exercise regularly?

Yes: 50.7%
Occasionally: 37%
No: 12.3%

What self-care practices do you use?

Light workout: 64.3%
Rest/relaxation: 56.8%
Reading: 48%
Intense workout: 42.7%
Television: 38.8%
Meditation: 38.3%
Breathing exercise: 32.6%
Prayer: 27.3%
Other: 19.4%
None of the above: 2.6%

Are you aware of mental health resources specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners?

Yes: 18.5%
No: 56.4%
Somewhat: 25.1%

David Domzalski

David Domzalski has covered the stories of entrepreneurs and professionals for over 13 years. A storyteller at heart, his work has appeared on various notable platforms, including AOL, Bankrate, Forbes, MSN, University of Phoenix, and Yahoo.

David is a strategic advisor for PlayerWallet, a startup in the college sports recruitment space. He also advises founders on how to best position themselves as thought leaders in their industries.

Learn more about him at DavidDomzalski.com.

Marc Andre

Marc has been building websites and online businesses since 2007. He's built successful businesses in several industries, including web/graphic design, photography, travel, and personal finance. Marc has been featured on Forbes, Business Insider, Flippa, and many others.

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  "content": "<div>\n<p>In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, mental well-being often takes a backseat to the demands of the daily grind.</p>\n<p>We sacrifice our health and well-being to pursue dreams and success. This can be a worthy endeavor, but at what cost?</p>\n<p>May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/\">Founder Reports</a>, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs with the specific issues they face. Over the past month, we’ve conducted a survey of entrepreneurs and business owners from around the world (227 entrepreneurs representing 46 countries) to gather insightful data to help us better serve our audience. </p>\n<p>Let’s dive deeper to uncover the highlights of the data. The full survey results are included at the end.</p>\n<h3>1) 87.7% of entrepreneurs struggle with at least one mental health issue</h3>\n<p>Our survey asked participants to indicate which mental health issues they face in their daily lives. Twelve specific issues were listed, plus the option to select “none of the above.” 87.7% of respondents selected at least one mental health issue, and only 12.3% said that they don’t struggle with any of the listed issues.</p>\n<p>Beyond the façade of success lie silent struggles. We’ll highlight some specifics below, but here’s a quick summary of the results:</p>\n<h4>Challenges:</h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Anxiety: 50.2%</li>\n<li>High stress: 45.8%</li>\n<li>Financial worries: 39.2%</li>\n<li>Burnout: 34.4%</li>\n<li>Imposter syndrome: 31.7%</li>\n<li>Poor work-life balance: 26.9%</li>\n<li>Loneliness or isolation: 26.9%</li>\n<li>Insomnia or other sleep disorders: 21.6%</li>\n<li>Depression: 19.8%</li>\n<li>Relationship strain: 13.7%</li>\n<li>Hopelessness: 12.3%</li>\n<li>No direction or purpose: 11.9%</li>\n<li>None of the above: 12.3%</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>2) 50.2% of entrepreneurs struggle with anxiety</h3>\n<p>Our survey showed that more than half of entrepreneurs struggle with anxiety. It’s no surprise that the high-pressure environment makes entrepreneurs more susceptible to anxiety, but our survey showed the concerning reality that many entrepreneurs face. </p>\n<p>According to a study by the <a href=\"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder\" target=\"_blank\">National Institute of Mental Health</a>, 31.1% of U.S. adults (general population) experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Although 31.1% is a significant portion of the population,  it’s drastically lower than the percentage of entrepreneurs who struggle with anxiety.</p>\n<h4>Pushing Past Anxiety</h4>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“In my work, we don’t work on trying to prevent anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling just like happiness and madness. Feelings are temporary internal states that we want to approach non-judgementally and descriptively. If the focus is on preventing anxiety, that’s focusing on the outcome which we cannot control. We want our attention on the process which is under our control.”</p>\n<a href=\"https://joannahardis.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Joanna Hardis, LISW-S</a></blockquote>\n<p>We published an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/interview/how-entrepreneurs-can-handle-anxiety/\">interview with Joanna Hardis, LISW-S</a>, that provides practical tips entrepreneurs and business owners can implement to handle anxiety. If you’re among the 50.2% of entrepreneurs who face challenges with anxiety, please refer to this resource.</p>\n<h3>3) 34.4% of entrepreneurs experience burnout</h3>\n<p>Long hours and a singular focus on work often lead to burnout, and our survey showed that more than 1/3 of entrepreneurs face this issue.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p> “Entrepreneurs, while often finding joy and fulfillment in their autonomy and achievements, may experience burnout differently due to their unique work dynamics. Their work and personal lives often intersect, intensifying the impact of burnout. This can erode their self-esteem and spark existential doubts more acutely than in traditional jobs.”</p>\nBurnout coach <a href=\"https://therppmethod.lpages.co/rpp-method-intake-form/\" target=\"_blank\">Gabriela Flax</a></blockquote>\n<p>To learn practical ways to prevent or overcome burnout, please read this in-depth <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/interview/gabriela-flax/\">interview with Gabriela Flax</a>.</p>\n<h3>4) 26.9% of entrepreneurs have a poor work-life balance</h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“For entrepreneurs, the blend of personal and professional life often becomes so seamless it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.”</p>\nBurnout coach <a href=\"https://therppmethod.lpages.co/rpp-method-intake-form/\" target=\"_blank\">Gabriela Flax</a> </blockquote>\n<p>Entrepreneurs often have a hard time turning off. You may work long hours, think about work even when you’re “off,” and have trouble sleeping or resting. Finding a way to create a healthy balance is essential. </p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“It’s important to recognize that there’s a cost to everything. The cost of working too much is not doing well personally in your life, health, and relationships. The cost of not working all the time might mean your business grows slower, you miss an opportunity, or you don’t do ‘everything’ all at once. But what good is having a successful business if your family suffers for it?”</p>\n<a href=\"https://www.audreylmft.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Audrey Schoen, LMFT</a></blockquote>\n<h3>5) More entrepreneurs said they were concerned about mental health than physical health</h3>\n<p>While mental health and physical health are both important, the need for mental health is often overlooked or not prioritized. We thought it was telling to see that 58.6% of survey respondents said they were concerned about their mental health, compared to 54.6% who said they were concerned about their physical health.</p>\n<p>In coping, we turn to self-care—light workouts, relaxation, and reading. </p>\n<h4>Self-Care Practices:</h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Light workout: 64.3%</li>\n<li>Rest/relaxation: 56.8%</li>\n<li>Reading: 48%</li>\n<li>Intense workout: 42.7%</li>\n<li>Television: 38.8%</li>\n<li>Meditation: 38.3%</li>\n<li>Breathing exercise: 32.6%</li>\n<li>Prayer: 27.3%</li>\n<li>Other: 19.4%</li>\n<li>None of the above: 2.6%</li>\n</ul>\n<h4>Set Clear Boundaries</h4>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“First and foremost, I set clear boundaries between work and my personal life, making sure to carve out time for things I enjoy and to relax. I’ve found that regular exercise really helps in keeping both my mind and body feeling good. Talking with other entrepreneurs who understand what I’m going through has been a big help; it’s like we’re all in this together.”</p>\nRyan Draving, Founder of <a href=\"https://movingb2b.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Moving Company</a></blockquote>\n<h3>6) 45.8% of entrepreneurs struggle with high stress</h3>\n<p>It’s a given that entrepreneurship and stress go hand in hand. Every entrepreneur will face high stress at some point, so <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/stress-release-tips/\">managing stress</a> is essential for long-term success.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. So rest is actually incredibly important. And rest doesn’t have to be sleep, just something that truly feels restorative. A mindfulness practice is a great tool, but it could be knitting, or playing with your kids, or just something you do because you enjoy it. When we love our work, and it becomes the ONLY thing we do, we often lose the ability to recharge and use different parts of our brains.”</p>\n<a href=\"https://www.drannewelsh.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Dr. Anne Welsh</a>, Clinical Psychologist &amp; Executive Coach</blockquote>\n<h3>7) 21.6% of entrepreneurs experience insomnia or other sleep disorders</h3>\n<p>Of course, it’s essential for everyone, entrepreneur or not, to get enough sleep. However, the long hours and high-pressure life of an entrepreneur can contribute to insomnia or other sleep disorders.</p>\n<h3>8) 26.9% of entrepreneurs struggle with loneliness and isolation</h3>\n<p>While mental health issues like anxiety, high stress, and burnout are often associated with entrepreneurship, loneliness and isolation are often overlooked. However, our survey indicated that 26.9% of entrepreneurs struggle with loneliness and isolation.</p>\n<p>This is especially significant for those who run online businesses and work remotely. However, even entrepreneurs and business owners who work in an office may also feel isolated from employees or other team members.</p>\n<h3>9) Only 18.5% of respondents said they were aware of mental health resources specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners</h3>\n<p>Here at Founder Reports, we’re creating a hub of practical content and resources on various mental health issues created specifically for entrepreneurs. We already have free guides and resources to help with issues like:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/interview/gabriela-flax/\">Burnout</a></li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/interview/how-entrepreneurs-can-handle-anxiety/\">Anxiety</a></li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/interview/the-aw-creative/\">High-performance mindset</a></li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/interview/foundation-stone/\">Addiction</a></li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/overcome-loneliness-and-isolation/\">Loneliness and isolation</a></li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/overcoming-financial-worries/\">Financial worries</a></li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/entrepreneurs-conquer-imposter-syndrome/\">Imposter syndrome</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p>These resources are available from our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/founder-life/\">Founder Life</a> page, and more are on the way. Since most entrepreneurs are unfamiliar with mental health resources created specifically for them, we see a strong need for this content.</p>\n<h2><strong>Bridging Disparities and Tailoring Support</strong></h2>\n<p>Digging deeper, disparities emerge. Women bear the brunt of financial worries and imposter syndrome, while men battle burnout and depression. </p>\n<p>As age advances, anxiety tightens its grip. Tailored interventions addressing demographic-specific needs are essential.</p>\n<h3>10) Female entrepreneurs are more likely than males to struggle with financial worries</h3>\n<p>Overall, 39.2% of survey respondents said they worry about money (only anxiety and high stress were more common issues, according to our survey). However, the issue seems to be more common with female entrepreneurs than males. 44.1% of females reported that they worry about finances, compared to 37.1% of males.</p>\n<p>Many people associate entrepreneurs and business owners with financial and material wealth, but the reality is many entrepreneurs face financial uncertainty. The unpredictable and inconsistent income often leads to financial worries and concerns.</p>\n<h3>11) Female entrepreneurs are more likely than males to struggle with imposter syndrome</h3>\n<p>Imposter syndrome is another issue that seems to impact women disproportionately. 41.2% of female entrepreneurs said they struggle with imposter syndrome, compared to only 27.8% of men.</p>\n<p>If you face this issue, check out these <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/entrepreneurs-conquer-imposter-syndrome/\">tips for overcoming imposter syndrome</a>.</p>\n<h3>12) Male entrepreneurs are more likely than females to face burnout</h3>\n<p>Burnout was the fourth most common issue experienced by our survey respondents (behind anxiety, high stress, and financial worries). However, 36.1% of men said they struggle with burnout compared to 30.9% of women. </p>\n<h3>13) Male entrepreneurs are more likely than females to have poor work-life balance</h3>\n<p>This stat likely impacts the previous stat on burnout. 29.1% of male entrepreneurs feel they have a poor work-life balance, compared to 22.1% of female entrepreneurs. Of course, work-life balance and burnout are often linked, so it’s not surprising that more men experience burnout if they also struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.</p>\n<h3>14) Male entrepreneurs are more likely than females to struggle with depression</h3>\n<p>22.2% of male entrepreneurs admitted to struggling with depression, compared to only 14.7% of female entrepreneurs.</p>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression\" target=\"_blank\">National Institute of Mental Health</a>, 10.3% of adult females struggle with depression, compared to 6.2% of adult males. While our survey flip-flopped the comparison among genders, the more significant issue is that depression appears to be far more common among entrepreneurs than the general population.</p>\n<h3>15) Female entrepreneurs are more likely than males to have a support system in place</h3>\n<p>A culture of empathy and understanding is vital in order to navigate struggles without fear of judgment.</p>\n<p>We asked participants if they had a support system in place to communicate openly with others about mental health struggles, and the responses were drastically different among men and women. 70.6% of female entrepreneurs said they do have a support system in place, compared to only 52.5% of males.</p>\n<p>This gap shows the need for male entrepreneurs to connect with other colleagues, friends, family members, and even professional coaches or therapists who provide support when needed. This collection of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/entrepreneur-communities/\">entrepreneur communities</a> may be helpful for finding places to connect with others.</p>\n<h4>Be a Proactive Networker</h4>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“Running your own business or being an entrepreneur who works from home can sometimes be a lonely experience. One way to overcome this loneliness is to build and utilize your networks. Join B2B groups, business breakfasts, local and online networking events; acquire the contact sheet from each event and reach out to those on the list.”</p>\nEmily Maguire, Managing Director and Career Consultant at <a href=\"https://www.reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk/\" target=\"_blank\">Reflections Career Coaching</a></blockquote>\n<h3>16) Entrepreneurs 35 and over are more likely to struggle with anxiety than those 34 and under</h3>\n<p>Although anxiety was the most common mental health struggle among our respondents, the results indicate that it’s more significant for older entrepreneurs and less common among younger entrepreneurs. 54.5% of entrepreneurs 35 and over said they struggle with anxiety, compared to 47.2% of those 34 and under.</p>\n<h3>17) Entrepreneurs 34 and under are more likely to struggle with loneliness and isolation than those 35 and over</h3>\n<p>Loneliness and isolation were more common among younger respondents. 30.7% of entrepreneurs 34 and under claimed to struggle with loneliness and isolation, compared to 21.2% of those 35 years and older. </p>\n<p>This may be influenced by the fact that a higher percentage of those 35 and over have kids and families, and younger entrepreneurs are more likely to be single.</p>\n<h2><strong>Charting the Path Forward</strong></h2>\n<p>In conclusion, the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about navigating the internal landscape of the mind as it is about external success. By acknowledging the realities of mental health struggles, fostering supportive communities, and providing accessible resources and interventions, we can create a more empathetic entrepreneurial ecosystem where mental health is prioritized and valued. </p>\n<p>Together, let’s break the silence, bridge divides, and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future for all entrepreneurs.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>“Entrepreneurs and startup founders can increase their productivity and effectiveness as leaders to the extent they take care of their mental health. Taking care of the mental health aspect is like driving a car with lower emissions. It’s more sustainable for the environment and a more pleasant journey overall for the driver and the passengers alike.”</p>\nExecutive Coach and Leadership Trainer <a href=\"https://www.therealling.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Dr. Ling Lam</a></blockquote>\n<h2>Full Survey Results </h2>\n<p>Below, we’ll share the full survey results so you can see details that haven’t been featured or included in the statistics above.</p>\n<p><strong>Total responses:</strong> 227 entrepreneurs and business owners from 46 different countries.</p>\n<p><strong>Age range:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>18-24: 14.5%</li>\n<li>25-34: 41.4%</li>\n<li>35-44: 30%</li>\n<li>45-54: 11%</li>\n<li>55-64: 1.8%</li>\n<li>65+: 0.9%</li>\n<li>Prefer not to answer: 0.4%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Gender:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Male: 69.6%</li>\n<li>Female: 30%</li>\n<li>Prefer not to answer: 0.4%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Race:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>White: 55.1%</li>\n<li>Asian: 29.5%</li>\n<li>Middle Eastern or North African: 3.5%</li>\n<li>Multiracial or Multiethnic: 3.1%</li>\n<li>Hispanic or Latino: 2.2%</li>\n<li>Black or African American: 1.8%</li>\n<li>Other race or ethnicity: 3.1%</li>\n<li>Prefer not to answer: 1.8%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Challenges:</strong></p>\n<p>Respondents could select all of the issues/challenges that they face.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anxiety: 50.2%</li>\n<li>High stress: 45.8%</li>\n<li>Financial worries: 39.2%</li>\n<li>Burnout: 34.4%</li>\n<li>Imposter syndrome: 31.7%</li>\n<li>Poor work-life balance: 26.9%</li>\n<li>Loneliness or isolation: 26.9%</li>\n<li>Insomnia or other sleep disorders: 21.6%</li>\n<li>Depression: 19.8%</li>\n<li>Relationship strain: 13.7%</li>\n<li>Hopelessness: 12.3%</li>\n<li>No direction or purpose: 11.9%</li>\n<li>None of the above: 12.3%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Do you feel like you have a support system in place that allows you to communicate openly with others about mental health struggles?</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Yes: 58.1%</li>\n<li>No: 25.6%</li>\n<li>Unsure: 16.3%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Are you concerned about any of the following?</strong></p>\n<p>Respondents could select more than one.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Physical health: 54.6%</li>\n<li>Mental health: 58.6%</li>\n<li>Spiritual health: 25.1%</li>\n<li>None of the above: 21.1%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Do you exercise regularly?</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Yes: 50.7%</li>\n<li>Occasionally: 37%</li>\n<li>No: 12.3%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>What self-care practices do you use?</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Light workout: 64.3%</li>\n<li>Rest/relaxation: 56.8%</li>\n<li>Reading: 48%</li>\n<li>Intense workout: 42.7%</li>\n<li>Television: 38.8%</li>\n<li>Meditation: 38.3%</li>\n<li>Breathing exercise: 32.6%</li>\n<li>Prayer: 27.3%</li>\n<li>Other: 19.4%</li>\n<li>None of the above: 2.6%</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Are you aware of mental health resources specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners?</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Yes: 18.5%</li>\n<li>No: 56.4%</li>\n<li>Somewhat: 25.1%</li>\n</ul>\n<div>\n                <div>\n<p>\n\t</p><h5>\n                        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/author/dave/\">\n\t\t            David Domzalski                </a>\n\t            \t</h5>\n<p></p>\n<div>\n    <p>David Domzalski has covered the stories of entrepreneurs and professionals for over 13 years. A storyteller at heart, his work has appeared on various notable platforms, including AOL, Bankrate, Forbes, MSN, University of Phoenix, and Yahoo.</p>\n<p>David is a strategic advisor for PlayerWallet, a startup in the college sports recruitment space. He also advises founders on how to best position themselves as thought leaders in their industries.</p>\n<p>Learn more about him at DavidDomzalski.com.</p>\n</div>\n    </div>\n                <div>\n<p>\n\t</p><h5>\n                        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://founderreports.com/author/marc/\">\n\t\t            Marc Andre                </a>\n\t            \t</h5>\n<p></p>\n<p>Marc has been building websites and online businesses since 2007. He's built successful businesses in several industries, including web/graphic design, photography, travel, and personal finance. Marc has been featured on Forbes, Business Insider, Flippa, and many others.</p>\n    </div>\n        </div><br /></div>",
  "author": "@DavidDomzalski",
  "favicon": "https://founderreports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-founder-reports-favicon-192x192.png",
  "source": "founderreports.com",
  "published": "2024-05-01T13:45:20-04:00",
  "ttr": 490,
  "type": "article"
}