It is not surprising, given the unprecedented times we are living in, that my email inbox has been filled over the past weeks with lots of articles relating to entrepreneur mental health and stress management. One particular article caught my attention. It talked about how many entrepreneurs are currently suffering from feelings similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It comes from having to struggle with the reality of not feeling in control of what is happening - and control is the foundation to solid mental-health. The pandemic and the resulting lockdowns have meant that so much has been out of our control. When that impacts on all aspects of our lives and our businesses, it can simply feel overwhelming. For some entrepreneurs, the ability to find mental clarity amidst all the uncertainty could make the difference between having the strength to keep the business going, or having to close. And for all those of us who have had a failed business at some time in their lives, we all know that if feels like a personal loss, a form of grief. As we emerge from lockdown, there will undoubtedly be those who are deeply scarred by the experience. The one thing we must ensure, however, is that we don’t allow our own trauma to deter us from trying again - or indeed, the next generation of young women entrepreneurs from trying to realize their own business building dreams in the future.
Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! — Melanie