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I love being an entrepreneur. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid, and I enjoy doing it every day.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t go through dark days when I didn’t know how things would turn out for the better.
One of my favorite stages of entrepreneurship is the early planning stage where you think about your business concept and what differentiates it. The next stage is the execution where I develop my business.
Many years ago I started developing one of my own ventures. As excited as I was about the idea, it took a heavy toll on me during the development stage.
I worked 18+ hours a day and quit my social life.
My day consisted of waking up, having breakfast at my desk, and working late into the night.
The only “fun” thing I did was work out with a trainer for 45 minutes a day, five times a week. I didn’t realize it was happening.
This went on for months. I couldn’t attend major social events and I wasn’t happy.
All I could think about was work.
My friends and colleagues thought I was happy because I was developing an exciting venture.
They believed I enjoyed it as much as my cool ventures seemed to reflect on their customers.
Oddly enough, I was living a life that was not like me.
I’m a people person and love meeting new people. I never missed a social event, loved to travel, explore new things, and live life to the fullest.
Over the course of a few months, I transformed into someone I could no longer recognize.
All this time, I didn’t want to talk to anyone about the stress I was having, the fear of uncertainty I was feeling, or the fatigue I was feeling.
It wasn’t something my entrepreneur friend did, so I didn’t think about it.
We asked each other for advice when issues arose, but that was it.
Watch: A New Generation of Emirati Entrepreneurs
We didn’t talk about our feelings or how our entrepreneurial journey was negatively impacting our social lives.
After I suffered extreme burnout, my family recommended that I speak to a mentor or professional who specializes in the challenges entrepreneurs go through and can provide guidance.
US 2020 study finds 72% of entrepreneurs are directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues, compared to only 48% of non-entrepreneurs It was then that I knew I was not alone. Based in the National Institute of Mental Health.
I met an expert who is also an entrepreneur. I discussed my progress, challenges I experienced, and he offered guidance on how to better manage my business and personal life.
We need more mental health professionals who specialize in the stresses and challenges entrepreneurs face
Manor Al Hinay
Since then, I have been able to turn my life around. I found my way back to my old self. There, I gave equal time and attention to my business and personal life.
We need more mental health professionals who specialize in the stresses and challenges that entrepreneurs face.
There should be a hotline for entrepreneurs and mental health assistance should be made available through various cohorts and entrepreneurship centres. It should also be given as much weight as business development advisory services.
If founders are going through stressful times, you can’t expect their business to thrive. I know this from my own experience.
Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness. No more worrying about facing stress or challenges. Because I know that talking to the right people can ease tough times and help you see things more clearly.
Manner Al Hinay is an award-winning Emirati writer and communications consultant based in Abu Dhabi.
Update: Jan 23, 2023, 4:00 AM
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