when scrolling You might think that everyone is squashing it through social media. Especially entrepreneurs. They live a perfect life: all rainbows, sunshine, and a nine-figure rating. Every day brings new deals, big wins, and perfectly crafted LinkedIn/Twitter/Instagram posts to celebrate it. , There may be people who are having trouble with their daily lives.
Want to get a little real? Let’s be real. Starting a company is really hard. Life is really hard. And all kinds of people are fighting every day, even if they seem to get along just fine.
I am sharing my story because I want you to know that it is okay to have mental health issues. No. And we want you to know that it’s perfectly normal.
hello i’m dan
Looking back, it’s clear that I’ve struggled with mental health for most of my life. But when her mother died in March 2019, we became very close.
When she died, I was deeply and deeply shaken, and since then I have worked to regain my footing.
A global pandemic, chronic back pain, excessive work stress…and I was really struggling. Normally very risk tolerant and outgoing, I became withdrawn, depressed and anxious.
I keep this mostly private and only share it with my closest friends and family. rice field. I wondered if people would treat me differently.
But when I opened up and started sharing my experiences, I found a lot of people who had a similar story: feeling alone in their struggles. I am here to normalize the problem. I hope that by sharing my challenges and what I’ve learned along the way, others struggling in silence will be able to open up for help. , help them feel less lonely.
Not long ago, at the recommendation of my sister (who happens to be a psychology professor at the University of Oregon), I sought help in the form of therapy and psychiatry. have visited several times. I’m still working on my challenges, but I have a strong support network around me and I’m so grateful for that network. I still feel depressed and anxious at times, but I know I have a safety net. That’s a big deal.
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invite-only community for influencers, innovators and creators. am i eligible?
1. Surround yourself with resources and support
Therapy has a unique value. It’s one of her things to tell friends and family about her struggles. Friends and family are wonderful. But working with a professional who listens and has no agenda other than to help you is a completely different experience.
Start by taking the first step towards finding a professional to walk this path with you. Seek a referral to a therapist from someone you trust. Then write an email or make a phone call to take the second step. Finding people to connect with can be difficult, but don’t be discouraged! There is help out there and it makes a difference in the world.
2. Start where you are
This may seem obvious, but bear with me. Anytime, you are where you are. Think of it like a trail map with a big “YOU ARE HERE” dot. you may not want to be there You may want to go somewhere completely different. You may feel guilty or regretful about past decisions that have led you to where you are today. But you are where you are in that moment and you can’t be anywhere else.
Start there and decide where to go next.
3. Think managing rather than solving
It’s natural for entrepreneurs to approach problems through the lens of solutions. that is our job. But there are some that don’t need to be resolved (at least not immediately). Process is important to progress. There is no magic bullet for relief from depression and anxiety. Instead, try every day to get over it.
4. Accept everything in life, even the hard parts
This is easier said than done. Because some of the hard parts are really, really hard. But that’s what makes life, life. The human condition contains many experiences, and you will encounter all the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Wrap your arms around your whole life. Resisting the hard part only amplifies the pain.
5. Recognize Resistance and Soften Around It
This is a big shot. It is natural to feel resistance to hard things. We don’t want our loved ones to die. We don’t want to be fired. We don’t want to have difficult conversations. We don’t want to struggle with mental health. There are many things in life that we don’t want, but they are all the same.
First Step: Observe and recognize resistance within yourself. Don’t judge, just observe.
Second step: don’t fight. Your instinct may be to resist resistance, but that won’t get you far. Let the resistance melt.
Bonus Tip:
Be kind to yourself. This is hard and you are doing the best you can.
And finally, if you are struggling please know you are not alone. Feel free to contact me on social (I am easy to find). I would be happy to be your resource and help in any way I can. Life is hard, but it’s better when we’re together.
If you or someone you know is in danger, here are some free resources available 24/7.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741. Get in touch with a trained crisis counselor and text him a free 24/7 crisis support.
