The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp

The uncertainties of entrepreneurship come with unique stressors that don’t lend themselves to predictability. Founders are subjected to constant numerous high-stakes decisions, creating a persistent pressure that drives feelings of stress higher and higher. To help manage the considerable stress associated with starting a business, many founders have turned to therapy as a way to stave off burnout before the earliest symptoms begin to appear. 

Understanding startup stress

The journey from startup to successful business is accompanied by an uninvited companion: stress. The stress of founding a startup is unique; a cocktail of financial unpredictability, a race against time, and the quest for groundbreaking innovation. It’s the price of dreaming big in a realm where every decision could pivot the future of your venture.

At the heart of startup stress lies the financial rollercoaster—securing funding, managing budgets, and dreaming of profitability while navigating a sea of uncertainty. This, combined with the considerable task of building a brand from scratch, can stretch the limits of even the most resilient entrepreneurs. The long hours and personal sacrifices forge a path that is both exhilarating and exhausting.

Yet, it’s this very stress that often fuels innovation, pushing founders to explore uncharted territories. Recognizing and managing this stress is not just about survival; it’s about thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. In this light, understanding startup stress is the first step toward harnessing its power for growth and innovation.

The benefits of therapy for startup founders

Many stressed business owners and startup founders consider therapy a sanctuary where they can unpack the weight of their ventures while transforming stress into a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Therapy offers more than just a venting space—it provides strategic tools to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with grace and grit.

Engaging in therapy, entrepreneurs discover techniques to dissect their fears, identify stress triggers, and develop coping mechanisms that meet their needs. Evidence-based methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy empower them to reframe negative thought patterns, fostering a mindset of adaptability and optimism. Other well-supported techniques, like mindfulness-based stress reduction, anchor them in the present, enhancing focus and decision-making under pressure. They might also be able to try rapid eye movement therapy to address past trauma or other adverse circumstances. 

These therapeutic journeys are not just about managing stress; they’re about unlocking potential. Entrepreneurs report improved leadership skills, enhanced creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Therapy, in essence, acts as a strategic partner in the entrepreneurial journey, aligning mental health with business success.

Integrating therapy in your startup life

Integrating therapy into the rhythm of startup life might seem daunting, but it’s a strategic move toward sustained success and well-being. Here’s how to seamlessly weave therapy into your entrepreneurial fabric:

Find the Right Therapist: Look for professionals who specialize in business stress or have experience working with entrepreneurs. Compatibility is key—seek a therapist whose approach resonates with your values and challenges. If you need to try multiple therapists before settling on a long-term arrangement, feel free to do so. The fit between you and your therapist is an important part of establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, an essential part of effective therapy. 

Making Time: Schedule therapy sessions like you would any critical business meeting. Early mornings, lunch breaks, or evening slots can accommodate busy calendars. Remember, prioritizing mental health is as crucial as any pitch, product launch, or other essential business function. 

Fostering a Supportive Culture: Lead by example. It may be helpful to encourage open discussions about mental health within your team and consider offering resources or benefits that make therapy accessible to your employees. This not only aids in destigmatizing mental health care but also cultivates a culture of resilience and empathy.

Regardless of how you approach therapy, it is important to come to the session with an open mind and a willingness to grow. Working with a therapist can help you avoid the worst adverse effects of stress as a startup founder, including burnout. Taking the time to prioritize your mental health and well-being will likely be helpful both personally and professionally.