Prioritizing Small Business Owner Mental Health
- Julianna Cario
- May 27
- 3 min read
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Running a small business is exciting, but let’s be real, it’s also incredibly hard. You’re making payroll, managing inventory, solving customer problems, and wearing more hats than you ever expected. It’s no wonder mental health can take a back seat.
But here’s the truth: ignoring your mental health isn’t sustainable.
Whether you’re in a growth phase or just trying to stay afloat, your well-being goes hand-in-hand with your business’s success. It’s time we talk honestly about small business owner mental health: what it looks like, what’s at stake, and what you can do about it.
The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Among Small Business Owners
Entrepreneurship can be isolating. According to a study by The Canadian Mental Health Association and BDC, 62% of business owners feel depressed at least once a week. In the U.S., data from SCORE shows that over half of small business owners have experienced anxiety, and many say it’s impacted their ability to run their business.
But because small business culture often celebrates hustle, many entrepreneurs feel pressure to just push through.
Spoiler: that’s not healthy—or effective.
What’s at Stake When You Don’t Address Small Business Owner Mental Health
Mental health isn’t separate from your business. In fact, it affects every aspect of how you lead, grow, and connect with others.
When small business owners ignore mental health:
Productivity drops. Chronic stress makes it harder to focus, make decisions, and follow through on tasks.
Leadership falters. Teams pick up on your stress, and morale can decline fast.
Customer service suffers. Burnout and emotional fatigue can seep into customer interactions.
Long-term sustainability is threatened. Left unchecked, burnout can lead to business closure—or serious health issues.
Your mental health is a business priority. Let’s treat it like one.
Warning Signs You Might Be Struggling
Entrepreneurs are great at powering through. But ignoring early signs of burnout can lead to serious issues down the line.
Here are a few red flags:
🚩 Emotional exhaustion or numbness
🚩 Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
🚩 Increased irritability or anxiety
🚩 Lack of joy or purpose in your work
🚩 Feeling alone, unmotivated, or stuck
If you see yourself in any of these, you're not alone. And you don’t have to stay stuck.
Practical Ways to Support Your Mental Health
Your mental health matters just as much as your cash flow. Here are some real steps you can take:
1. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Time
Schedule work hours—and keep them. Track how much time you spend on each task, or each set of tasks, and identify where you’re overextended. Make non-negotiable space for rest, even if it’s just an hour a day.
2. Talk to a Therapist or Peer Counselor
Mental health professionals can help you process stress, reframe challenges, and feel less alone. Try platforms like BetterHelp or check out Small Business Owner Mental Health Resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
If therapy isn’t accessible right now, consider peer groups like Entrepreneurs’ Organization or local SBDCs for support.
3. Move Your Body (Even a Little Helps)
Exercise doesn’t have to be extreme. A 20-minute walk, yoga class, or dancing in your kitchen can boost endorphins and mental clarity. The CDC explains how even small bursts of activity can help reduce stress.
4. Build a Mental Health Toolkit
Bookmark resources you can turn to when things feel heavy:
Mental Health America’s Entrepreneur Toolkit
SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) for confidential mental health support
5. Reframe Asking for Help as a Business Strategy
Delegation and automation aren’t signs of weakness. They’re signs of smart leadership. Consider using tools like to automate admin work or hiring an assistant for recurring tasks.
You Deserve to Thrive—Not Just Survive
When you started your business, you probably didn’t imagine “mental health” as part of the business plan. But now you know better. Protecting your peace is the foundation for sustainable success.
You’re not just building a business. You’re building a life. And you deserve one that feels good to live.
Looking Ahead: Get Clear on What You Need to Grow
Sometimes the pressure comes from not knowing your next step—or how much it’ll cost to take it. That uncertainty can be paralyzing.
To help, we built The Funding Formula. It’s a simple, free tool to help you figure out exactly how much capital you need to move forward with clarity and confidence. Because a clear plan is one of the best ways to reduce stress.
👉 Try it now and start building with peace of mind.
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