Owning a business can be stressful and if you’re juggling that with your own Mental Health Disorder (MHD) or that of a loved one, you’ve got even more on your plate. When a mental disorder is under control, you do not act like you normally do and hardly remain organized and on task. Conditions like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), on the other hand, can alter your perception, making it difficult to stay focused on daily tasks. You might fall into the trap of thinking that seeking treatment is a sign of weakness, while in reality, seeking treatment is a sign of strength. Having the strength to seek treatment for a mental disorder so you can focus on your business and your life shows the resolve and commitment you need to succeed in both arenas.  

What to Do If You Need Mental Health Assistance

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is common with business owners because many of them try to self-medicate. By tempering the stress with drugs or substances, those out-of-control feelings are no longer so overwhelming. But this type of self-medication can quickly get out of control. In fact, according to the CDC, there are over 95,000 deaths related to alcohol use disorder in the U.S. each year. Often, addicted individuals don’t realize they have a problem until something drastic, like a Drinking and Driving event (DUI), happens to them. But ignoring the issue will only make it worse.

As soon as you realize that something’s not quite right, schedule an appointment with a mental health professional; owning your own business gives you several resources to choose from. It’s important that you have a health insurance policy in place for you and your employees that covers treatment for your mental health disorder. When you begin to feel as if the stress of running your business is overwhelming, take a few days to regain your composure. It’s also wise to schedule an appointment with a counselor to talk through the stress and find healthy ways to cope.

Take Advantage of Help When It's Offered

While you may not see that you have a problem, others that you work with may recognize the signs. As the owner of a business, you have a responsibility to both yourself and your employees to be the best person you can be. That means being well enough to perform your duties as effectively as possible. Even if you don’t see the warning signs, those around you may be able to find the help you need so that you can get back on track. 

Keep an Eye on the Following Signs:

• Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended.

• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.

• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.

• Craving.

• Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.

• Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.

• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.

• Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it is physically dangerous.

• Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.

• Tolerance.

• Withdrawal.

What to Do If a Loved One Needs Mental Health Assistance

Maybe it’s not you who needs help. It could be a friend, romantic partner, or employee. Knowing that a family member is having problems with drugs or alcohol can be upsetting, but the key is finding them the treatment they need to overcome their Substance Use Disorder.

Often, a person in treatment discovers that they have a mental health disorder like Bipolar Disorder (BD) or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in addition to their problem. With a dual diagnosis, both conditions are treated and the patient is given coping skills that will allow them to deal with any issues they may face in both their personal and professional lives; treatment may last for a few months or several years, depending on the patient and the severity of their mental health and substance use disorder. The best advice for you is to support the person however you can. If they’re your employee, try to give them the time off they need for treatment. If they’re a friend or family member, offer emotional support and encouragement through their journey.  

Don't Wait to Seek Treatment

Don't wait to seek treatment. In some places, admitting that you have MHD or SUD carry a stigma, but these conditions don’t improve by doing nothing. So stand up and be an example of someone that sought treatment and got better. You might even inspire others in your company to do the same. Even if your journey doesn’t inspire your team to follow suit, seeing you fighting to improve your life will lead your employees to respect you as a strong, courageous leader.

Alternatives for Assistance

When dealing with MHD or SUD, there are many treatment options for you to choose from. Inpatient and outpatient treatment centers can provide you with care plans that will help you work your way through your confusion and begin to take the first steps toward sobriety and better health.

When you own a business, it’s up to you to show you are in control. If you or a loved one is dealing with MHD or SUD, take the first steps toward getting help. Don't let the stigma prevent you from taking care of yourself, your business and your family. Seek treatment when you need it and share your experiences. And encourage the people around you to do the same. 

About the Author

Dr. Arturo Osorio is a licensed physician practicing in Nicaragua. Dr. Osorio went to Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (León), where he got Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Degree. He has been practicing medicine in public hospital and private clinics since 2018.