Look After Yourself As Well As Your Business
Posted on 31st January 2022
As a small business owner, you will often work alone and take full responsibility for your team and your business performance, but who’s looking after your wellbeing?
I know from personal experience that running a small business can be lonely and stressful. Without support it’s easy to find yourself spiralling towards depression. We’re not alone.
A recent study conducted by Mental Health UK and the small business lenders, iwoca, found that eight out of 10 small business owners say they experience symptoms of poor mental health at least a few times a year. However, more than four out of 10 say they have never accessed mental health support.
The Pandemic Factor
The pandemic has emphasised the mental health challenges faced by small business owners. When asked, over one third said they have had panic attacks and half have experienced symptoms of depression since the pandemic began.
More than six out of 10 say they have found it difficult to focus, have had feelings of anxiety, and have found it difficult to sleep.
Worryingly 86% of businesswomen are experiencing common symptoms of poor mental health at least a few times a year, compared to 77% of businessmen.
Suppliers must still be paid, even though sales have significantly reduced, and accessing the financial support available can be stressful in itself. Not all businesses have been able to turn to online sales, leaving their owners with uncertainty and anxiety.
It isn’t surprising that more than three quarters of small and medium-sized business owners say they have been worried about cash flow during the pandemic.
Mental Health Support
Anticipating another year of uncertainty, many business owners are aware that they need to prioritise their own wellbeing as part of their plans for 2022.
One in five business owners say that their response to stress and worry is often to shut off and disengage from others. Only a quarter said they had accessed professional help.
Many people running a business are naturally positive, so they often don’t recognise when natural worries and concerns are turning into more serious mental health issues. Unwilling to ‘burden’ others with their problems or to show a lack of confidence, they often don’t let anyone know they are finding things difficult. Over one third don’t know what help is available or how to access it.
Coaching For Your Personal Wellbeing
When you work with Andromeda Business Consulting, I don’t only look at your business goals. I know that your personal wellbeing and dreams are just as important.
Business owners always have excellent professional and technical skills but often find it difficult to achieve the right balance between their business and personal lives. I know this step is essential for every thriving business, so I am always on hand to discuss your challenges and to make sure you are looking after yourself as well as your business.
I can advise you about business systems and processes that will take away some of the pressures you face and tried and tested techniques to overcome your day-to-day stresses. I will support you so that your worries don’t lead to more serious anxiety or depression.
You don’t have to take this journey alone, so please get in touch to find out more.
Until next time ...
Tagged as: Mental Wellbeing
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