Do 72% of Founders Struggle with Mental Health? The Truth Behind the Struggles in 2025

Introduction

Do 72% of founders struggle with mental health? The answer is unfortunately yes, and this statistic underscores a critical issue in the world of entrepreneurship. Building and growing a business is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with immense pressure, long hours, and significant emotional strain. As a result, many entrepreneurs face mental health challenges that often go unnoticed or untreated. In this post, we’ll explore why mental health struggles are so prevalent among founders and what can be done to prioritize well-being while building a successful business.

Understanding the 72% Statistic

When we hear that 72% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health, it might sound shocking at first—but this number didn’t just come out of thin air. It’s rooted in real research, and understanding what it truly means is the first step toward addressing the issue.

Where the Number Comes From

The 72% statistic comes from a well-known 2015 study conducted by Dr. Michael A. Freeman, a psychiatrist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Freeman surveyed 242 entrepreneurs to explore the connection between entrepreneurship and mental health, and the results were eye-opening.

Here’s what the study revealed:

• 49% of the entrepreneurs reported having a mental health condition.
• 32% reported having more than one mental health condition.
• When including those who reported experiencing symptoms but may not have received a formal diagnosis, the number jumped to 72%.

That means nearly three out of every four founders have experienced some form of mental health issue—whether that’s anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, bipolar disorder, or others.

What “Struggling” with Mental Health Really Means

It’s important to clarify that “struggling with mental health” doesn’t always mean someone has a diagnosed mental illness. It can refer to a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges, such as:

• Chronic stress
• Burnout or exhaustion
• High anxiety levels
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Feelings of isolation or loneliness
• Mood swings or emotional overwhelm

These struggles can be temporary or long-term, and they often go unspoken and untreated—especially in the startup world, where many feel pressure to appear constantly strong and successful.

Comparing Entrepreneurs to the General Population

What makes the 72% statistic even more significant is how it compares to the general public. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

• About 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (roughly 20%) experience mental illness in a given year.

That means entrepreneurs are over 3.5 times more likely to report mental health struggles than the average person. It’s a massive difference—and it tells us that the entrepreneurial journey comes with unique mental health challenges that can’t be ignored.

Why Are Entrepreneurs So Vulnerable to Mental Health Issues?

Entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding—but it also comes with high emotional costs that are often overlooked. While many people imagine startup life as exciting and empowering, the reality for most founders includes long hours, financial uncertainty, constant pressure, and emotional highs and lows that can take a serious toll on mental health.

Let’s break down the key reasons why entrepreneurs are more vulnerable to mental health issues than the general population.

1. Chronic Uncertainty and Pressure

One of the defining features of entrepreneurship is the lack of stability. Unlike traditional jobs, where you can count on a paycheck and a predictable routine, founders live with:

• Unpredictable income
• Unclear business outcomes
• Constant pivoting and decision-making
• High risk of failure

This ongoing uncertainty creates chronic stress, which can fuel anxiety, panic attacks, and long-term mental fatigue.

2. Financial Stress

For many entrepreneurs, especially in the early stages, money is a major stressor. You may be:

• Bootstrapping your business with your own savings
• Taking on debt or loans
• Worrying about payroll and operational costs
• Unsure of when (or if) you’ll turn a profit

This financial instability creates a breeding ground for worry and burnout, especially if you’re supporting a family or feel responsible for employees’ livelihoods.

3. Long Hours and Work-Life Imbalance

“Hustle culture” has convinced many founders that working 16-hour days is a badge of honor. But in reality, this often leads to:

• Neglect of physical health
• Poor sleep habits
• Disconnected relationships
• No time for relaxation or hobbies

Over time, the non-stop work pace wears down your mental resilience, making it harder to cope with challenges and leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

4. Loneliness and Isolation

Even if you’re surrounded by a team, entrepreneurship can be deeply isolating. Many founders report feeling like no one truly understands the pressure they’re under, including:

• Investors
• Employees
• Friends or family

When you’re the one making all the decisions and carrying the weight of success or failure, it’s easy to feel alone. This sense of isolation is a major risk factor for mental health struggles.

5. Emotional Investment in the Business

Entrepreneurs often tie their identity and self-worth to their business. After all, your startup is your vision, your creation, your baby. But this deep emotional attachment can backfire:

• When the business struggles, you take it personally.
• When things fail, it can feel like you are a failure.
• Criticism or setbacks feel like personal attacks.

This intense emotional rollercoaster makes it hard to maintain perspective and can increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.

6. Lack of Mental Health Infrastructure

Unlike traditional workplaces, which may offer:

• Health insurance
• Paid mental health days
• Access to EAPs (employee assistance programs)

Most entrepreneurs don’t have built-in support systems. Without access to therapy, coaching, or peer support, many end up white-knuckling their way through tough times.

7. Perfectionism and Unrealistic Expectations

Founders are often high achievers—ambitious, driven, and perfectionistic. While these traits can fuel success, they also lead to:

• Fear of failure
• Imposter syndrome
• Overworking to “prove” themselves

This perfectionism creates a cycle of never feeling good enough, which can chip away at self-esteem and mental well-being.

The Most Common Mental Health Struggles Among Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is often a rollercoaster—filled with big wins, sleepless nights, and everything in between. But along with the ambition and passion comes an undercurrent of mental and emotional strain that can take a serious toll over time.

Here are the most common mental health challenges that entrepreneurs face, why they’re so prevalent, and what you can do to recognize and manage them.

1. Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most widespread mental health issues among entrepreneurs. Whether it’s pitching to investors, managing a remote team, or launching a new product, founders often deal with high-pressure situations daily.

Common symptoms:

• Racing thoughts or overthinking
• Restlessness or trouble sleeping
• Muscle tension and fatigue
• Constant worrying about the future

Entrepreneurial anxiety is fueled by uncertainty, responsibility, and fear of failure. It can become debilitating if left unchecked, making it hard to focus, make decisions, or enjoy the journey.

What can help: Mindfulness practices, structured planning, delegation, and talking to a mental health professional.

2. Depression

Depression often goes hand-in-hand with entrepreneurship, especially when founders feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or like they’re not meeting their goals. The pressure to constantly be “on” can lead to emotional numbness or sadness, even when things are technically going well.

Common symptoms:

• Persistent low mood or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in work or hobbies
• Fatigue and lack of motivation
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Depression can sneak up after a launch, a funding round, or even during periods of growth. It’s not always triggered by failure—sometimes the sheer emotional weight of building a business is enough.

What can help: Therapy, routine self-care, support groups, antidepressants (if prescribed), and regular physical activity.

3. Burnout

Burnout is not just being tired—it’s total emotional and physical exhaustion. It’s extremely common in startup culture, where the “hustle” mindset can push founders to their breaking point.

Common signs of burnout:

• Feeling drained every day, no matter how much rest you get
• Irritability or detachment from your work
• Reduced performance or focus
• Trouble finding joy in things you used to love

Burnout can lead to serious health issues if ignored—like chronic stress, weakened immunity, and even depression. Unfortunately, many founders normalize it or wear it like a badge of honor.

What can help: Real rest (not just scrolling social media), setting boundaries, hiring help, and learning to say “no.”

4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Interestingly, entrepreneurs are more likely to have ADHD than the general population. While ADHD can be a strength in creativity, risk-taking, and fast-thinking, it also presents challenges with focus, structure, and follow-through.

Common ADHD-related struggles:

• Difficulty prioritizing tasks
• Forgetting meetings or deadlines
• Struggling to focus on long-term planning
• Impulsiveness or boredom with routine tasks

Some founders with undiagnosed ADHD may feel like they’re constantly spinning their wheels, starting projects but not finishing them, or thriving in chaos but falling apart with systems.

What can help: ADHD coaching, medication (if prescribed), tools like timers and task managers, and working with a structured team.

5. Impostor Syndrome

Though not a clinical diagnosis, impostor syndrome is a major psychological hurdle for many entrepreneurs. It’s that internal voice saying, “You’re not good enough,” or “You don’t belong here.”

How it shows up:

• Downplaying your accomplishments
• Fear of being “found out” as a fraud
• Avoiding new challenges due to self-doubt
• Constantly comparing yourself to others

Impostor syndrome can hold founders back from pitching big ideas, raising money, or celebrating success.

What can help: Positive affirmations, coaching, mentorship, and building a track record of small wins to reinforce confidence.

6. Substance Use and Coping Mechanisms

When stress runs high and healthy outlets are missing, some entrepreneurs turn to alcohol, caffeine, or other substances to manage emotions or stay productive. This can quickly turn into a dependency that masks deeper issues.

Warning signs:

• Using substances to fall asleep or stay awake
• Increased reliance on stimulants or alcohol during crunch times
• Avoiding feelings rather than facing them
• Feeling “off” or irritable without your chosen crutch

Substance misuse can spiral into addiction if left unchecked, and it often coexists with anxiety or depression.

What can help: Honest self-assessment, support from a therapist or coach, and replacing harmful habits with healthier coping mechanisms.

Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Stigma in Entrepreneurship

Despite the growing awareness around mental health, many entrepreneurs still suffer in silence. The startup world is fueled by ambition, competition, and image—which can create a culture where vulnerability feels like a liability, not a strength.

This stigma is one of the biggest barriers preventing founders from getting the help they need. Let’s talk about where it comes from, why it’s harmful, and how we can start to change the narrative.

Why Entrepreneurs Don’t Talk About It

In theory, we all know mental health matters. But in practice? Many entrepreneurs still hesitate to open up about their struggles.

Here’s why:

• Fear of looking weak: Founders are often seen as fearless leaders. Admitting to mental health issues can feel like breaking that illusion.
• Investor concerns: There’s a belief—spoken or unspoken—that if investors think you’re struggling mentally, they might see you as a risk.
• Team morale: Some founders worry that opening up about burnout or anxiety could make their team feel unstable or insecure.
• “I can power through” mindset: Entrepreneurs are natural problem-solvers. Many believe they can tough it out, even when their mental health is clearly deteriorating.

As a result, many founders suffer in silence, battling anxiety, depression, or burnout behind closed doors—until it becomes a crisis.

The Hidden Cost of Silence

When mental health issues are left unspoken and untreated, they don’t go away—they get worse. The cost of silence can include:

• Poor decision-making
• Damaged relationships with co-founders or team members
• Decreased productivity and creativity
• Chronic health problems
• Even complete business failure in extreme cases

Your business can’t thrive if you’re running on empty. And while founders are often told to “fake it ‘til you make it,” mental health isn’t something you can fake your way through.

The Rise of Vulnerable Leadership

Thankfully, this culture is starting to shift. More founders and business leaders are sharing their stories publicly, and it’s making a difference.

Here are just a few examples:

• Elon Musk has spoken about the emotional toll of running Tesla and SpaceX, admitting that entrepreneurship “is like eating glass and staring into the abyss.”
• Arianna Huffington, after collapsing from exhaustion, became a vocal advocate for rest, sleep, and holistic well-being.
• Ben Horowitz, of Andreessen Horowitz, has written extensively about the emotional strain of being a CEO, calling it “The Struggle.”

These voices matter. They’re normalizing the reality that high performance and mental health challenges can co-exist. You can be both successful and human. You can lead powerfully and still ask for help.

Creating a New Narrative

To truly break the stigma, we need to shift the startup mindset from “push through the pain” to “build with sustainability.” That means:

• Encouraging founders to share their challenges, not just their wins
• Making mental health part of the conversation in accelerators, incubators, and pitch rooms
• Offering access to therapy, coaching, and emotional support resources as standard tools for success
• Treating emotional intelligence and self-awareness as leadership skills—not weaknesses

Mental wellness is not a luxury—it’s a foundational part of building a resilient, innovative, and thriving business.

Tools and Resources for Entrepreneurial Mental Wellness

Mental wellness doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through consistent support, self-awareness, and the right tools. For entrepreneurs, who often juggle massive workloads and emotional ups and downs, having accessible, effective mental health resources can make all the difference.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, trying to stay focused, or just looking for ways to de-stress after a long day, here are some of the best tools and resources to support your mental health journey.

Meditation & Mindfulness Apps

Practicing mindfulness helps regulate stress, improve focus, and bring a sense of calm into chaotic days. These apps are perfect for busy founders who need a quick reset.

Headspace

A top-rated app for guided meditation, stress relief, sleep support, and focus-enhancing exercises.
Best for: Beginners and anyone looking for a structured routine.

Calm

Offers meditations, breathing exercises, soothing sleep stories, and ambient music.
Best for: Entrepreneurs with anxiety or trouble sleeping.

Insight Timer

A free platform with thousands of guided meditations from teachers around the world. Great for flexible and diverse practices.
Best for: Variety and affordability.

Online Therapy & Coaching Platforms

You don’t need to wait for a breakdown to get support. Therapy and coaching can help you stay ahead of mental health challenges, make better decisions, and feel less alone.

BetterHelp

Offers online therapy with licensed professionals via chat, phone, or video. Flexible plans and convenient scheduling.
Best for: Busy founders who need therapy on their own time.

Talkspace

Another online therapy option with psychiatric services and a focus on digital communication.
Best for: Founders who prefer texting or asynchronous support.

Founders First

A wellness coaching platform specifically for entrepreneurs. Includes one-on-one coaching and group support.
Best for: Peer support and founder-specific challenges.

Productivity & Focus Tools

Mental clarity and productivity go hand-in-hand. These tools help structure your time, reduce overwhelm, and stay in control of your day.

Notion

An all-in-one workspace to manage tasks, journals, calendars, and project plans. Great for reducing mental clutter.
Best for: Founders who thrive with visual organization.

RescueTime

Tracks where your time goes, helps eliminate distractions, and gives detailed reports to boost efficiency.
Best for: Identifying burnout patterns and improving time management.

Brain.fm

Uses science-backed music to help improve focus, sleep, and relaxation.
Best for: Deep work sessions or calming down after a stressful day.

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Mental Health is Smart Business

The statistic that 72% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health is more than just a number—it’s a wake-up call. It reminds us that behind every pitch deck, launch event, and “success story” is a human being facing real emotional challenges. Mental health struggles don’t make you weak. They make you human. And acknowledging them isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a powerful step toward long-term success. As the startup world slowly sheds its outdated “hustle at all costs” mentality, more founders are realizing that taking care of your mind is just as important as funding your next round or scaling your product. Remember, your mind is your most valuable asset—so take care of it.

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