Entrepreneurs share their battles with burnout and depression to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Running a business is tough, and it can take a real toll on your mental health. We spoke to entrepreneurs who’ve faced burnout, anxiety, and everything in between. Here, they share their honest mental health journeys and how they’re finding work-life balance.
The burnout recovery journey
“As an entrepreneur, I tied my worth to productivity, neglecting my own needs and the people I loved. Burnout hit hard, and my relationships suffered, especially with my then-boyfriend, now husband. I realised that success meant nothing if I was constantly depleted.
Now, I schedule vacations every three months to recalibrate and be fully present with him. My biggest lesson? Don’t let your business rule your life. You decide how to design it. Real success isn’t just about hitting targets: it’s having the energy to enjoy life, nurture love, and live in alignment with your purpose and values.”
– Andrea Lee, founder of The Clean Addicts
“I started my own business because of burnout from the tech and startup world. I took a break for a year before landing on starting my own bridal direct-to-consumer business, Bone and Grey Bridal. Because I made the conscious decision to work for myself, I know it’s even more important to stay focused and give myself time to breathe and grow sustainably.
I’ve learned to balance by taking a workout class on a quiet weekday or taking a vacation whenever I’d like, without feeling guilty. I also have a therapist I go to every two months to stay grounded. I may be naive, but I think it’s harder to burn out while working for yourself because you’re building something of your own!”
– Joy Q. Wang, founder & creative director at Bone & Grey
Juggling work, life and sanity
“Running one business was hard enough, but then I added another: managing a photography business and running an early childhood enrichment centre, all while raising a toddler. Without a village or a set routine, the days began to blur. The balancing act felt relentless – snapping photos one moment, overseeing curriculum the next, then coming home to a little one who needed all of me.
What made it harder was watching a few friends and family slowly drift away. The isolation cut deep, and the pressure to keep going crept into my mind and body – light sleep, scattered focus, and constant anxiety.
Therapy became my lifeline. It gave me space to process, to grieve what I’d lost, and to figure out what I truly needed. Slowly, I began to rebuild – with more clarity, compassion, and the strength to set boundaries. I’ve learned to honour my limits, surround myself with trusted people, and take rest without guilt. Burnout thrives in silence. Talking about it is the first step to healing.”
– Ananya Pandit, founder and owner of Eat Crave Grub Photography; director and owner of Sparkanauts
“As an entrepreneur and a mum, juggling multiple roles is part of everyday life. One thing I often hear from my counselling clients — and deeply resonate with myself — is the constant mental load we carry, especially for our families. Our business and personal lives are so deeply intertwined that it can be incredibly difficult to fully switch off and be truly present.
Early on, I realised a crucial lesson: as a woman, a mother, and an entrepreneur, you have to be “selfish” — and I say that in the healthiest sense of the word. If I’m running on an empty cup, no one in my family, my community, or my business will benefit from me. Taking care of myself is non-negotiable if I want to continue being of service to others.
I consciously make time to recharge my introverted batteries through alone time, reading, or even stepping away on mini-retreats when needed.”
– Marissa Nasution, research psychologist and counsellor
Setting boundaries that stick
“Being an entrepreneur is one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve taken on, but it’s also been the most emotionally demanding. When I first started SGB, there were days when I experienced burnout disguised as ambition. I felt numb, unmotivated, and emotionally drained. And worst of all, I felt alone.
What helped me turn things around was realising that I didn’t have to do it all. I had to learn to delegate: not just tasks, but trust. I leaned into building a team, not just for productivity, but for my well-being.
Here are a few things that made all the difference: setting boundaries (I stopped glamorising overwork and started protecting my time and energy); delegating with clarity (I taught myself how to let go and empower others); and prioritising support (I invested in a coach, shared my struggles with fellow founders, and created space for rest without guilt).
My biggest takeaway? You can’t pour from an empty cup. Building something meaningful shouldn’t mean losing yourself.”
– Tatiana Gromenko, founder of SGB VA
“Navigating the always-on nature of a social media agency, I faced debilitating anxiety from relentless hustle culture. Symptoms like morning pins and needles and a lack of focus were wake-up calls.
Founding For The Love of Socials, I aimed to dismantle the stigma of overworking prevalent in our industry. We set firm office hours, don’t work weekends, and communicate these boundaries to our clients, who respect our commitment to mental well-being.
Our approach includes automated reminders to clients that, after office hours, we must disengage to recharge. This structure not only prevents burnout but also champions a healthier work-life balance.”
– Adelphia Lim, founder of For The Love of Socials
Prioritising health above hustle
“As an entrepreneur, I wear many hats: coach, marketer, finance manager, content creator, and more. A part of me, being a go-getter and high achiever, poured everything into building my private practice as a somatic trauma-informed coach. I loved supporting high-performing women through burnout, but over time, the work started to feel mechanical. I felt disconnected and empty. That’s when I chose to lead differently.
Now, I prioritise rest, boundaries, and embodiment. Sustainable impact doesn’t come from pushing – it comes from alignment. Practical tip? Start by checking in with your body before saying yes. A simple pause can reveal whether a decision feels aligned or like another energy leak.”
– Sophie Leung, somatic trauma-informed coach at Sophie Leung Co
“It was postnatal depression after the birth of my two children that spurred me into creating the well-being businesses I have today. My symptoms were crying, mild panic attacks, and insomnia. I became determined to rebalance my system through breath work, meditation and journaling.
I’m now very sensitive to the feelings of growing imbalance before they become a problem, and I prioritise my practices immediately. My tips for busy entrepreneurs are: balance your time between work and creative non-work pursuits, ensure connection with nature and natural light every day, and learn about the incredible healing benefits of meditation and breath.”
– Danielle Van de Velde, founder of Spirited Living & Spirited Business
Between the hustle, the pressure to succeed, and the constant juggling act, it’s easy for your mental health to take a backseat. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to talk about it and do something about it.
