Mental Health for Business Leaders in the Age of COVID-19

Recently I was asked to submit an article to the Atlanta Business Chronicle on mental health needs of business leaders during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s the article:

Business leaders are facing countless setbacks right now--lost revenue, disputes with partners, the need for rapid and unforeseen downsizing - all while trying to predict what lays in store as the coronavirus epidemic continues to unfold. There has also been increasing attention on the mental health of executives, though most are still reluctant to acknowledge their struggles. High-powered individuals rarely admit vulnerability, as mental illness is often viewed as a weakness. 

Rather than showing vulnerability, business leaders have practiced what social psychiatrists call impression management– the idea that you have to come across as "having it all together.”  Many entrepreneurs believe that, in order to be considered competent, you need to be seen as infallible. This, in turn, discourages help-seeking behaviors.

At the highest echelons of successful organizations, leaders are often expected to endure the dog-eat-dog nature of business and finance. Some studies have shown that CEOs may be depressed at more than twice the rate of the general public – and this is true when not operating during a global pandemic.  Furthermore, these same studies tell us that men underreport depression due to a maladaptive way of thinking about what it means to be a “manly man.”

Unfortunately, Western culture has traditionally dictated that men only show strength and never outwardly express emotions because it is still perceived be a character flaw in most professions.  Men are taught to handle depression and anxiety on their own. Because of that, and the stigma that still exists around mental illness, a lot of men struggle with admitting they need help.  In that way, depression and anxiety can be destructive, purposely isolating and distancing us from others, and potentially spiraling into substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide.

Here are four tips for improved mental health in the face of the current crisis:

Practice self-care:

In stressful times executives often neglect their health. It’s important to remember the foundation of emotional well-being lies in regular cardiovascular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep.  Prioritizing these behaviors during the COVID crisis will go a long way toward improving your health and strengthening your immune system.

Manage stress:

Stakeholders look to business leaders to be calm and act deliberately.  Executives who react to stressful events in unhealthy emotional ways can add to stress and anxiety.  It’s important to slow down, reflect on of your stress and understand the role your emotions play. Don’t immediately react to everything you see in the news and social media.  Remember to be patient and fact check directly using reliable sources.  Better yet, try limiting your exposure to new media, even if only for a few hours. This will help you remain less emotional and improve your ability to make logical and rational decisions.

Particularly when facing the demands of the current crisis, it’s important to take breaks to realign and refocus. What’s true for high-performance athletes is also true in the executive suite: 100% effort, 100% of the time can decrease performance.  Make sure that throughout your day you are allow for real and frequent breaks.  I suggest taking a 10-minute break every 90 minutes, especially when dealing with economic crisis.

Stay connected:

I often encourage my therapy clients to create their own personal board of directors; a trusted group of peers, mentors, and loved ones to whom they can turn for council, advice, and encouragement.  Most important, make time for your loved ones. There’s likely a temptation to let urgent business needs drive away your connections with support systems.  When it comes to fighting off depression and anxiety, your relationships with friends and family are powerful weapons in helping you remain stable and grounded.  Even in this time of social distancing and sheltering-in-place, it’s important for business leaders to avoid the temptation to isolate or disappear into their work.  Technology can be your friend in this moment allowing for virtual connection.  Check in on family members and share anecdotes from your day.  Schedule video dinners with friends focused on fellowship and not crisis management.  Work on cultivating an identity apart from your company.

Seek professional help if needed:

And don't be afraid to ask for help-- People who are vulnerable to anxiety and depression, like business leaders, might find the coronavirus epidemic overwhelming.  See a mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of significant anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress.

If you or someone you know If needs help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or 1-800-715-4225 for the Georgia Crisis and Access Line.  You can also text HELLO to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line.

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2020/04/05/mental-health-awareness-crucial-during.html

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