Innovation Exchange: Mental health and entrepreneurs

From ADHD and depression to anxiety and addiction, mental illness affects people in all walks of life. These challenges, however, can disproportionately affect entrepreneurs.
In fact, a study at the University of California San Francisco found that 49 percent of those who start a company have struggled with mental illness in the past. The same study found about 30 percent of entrepreneurs experience depression.
Frequently taking on more demands and shirking personal care, entrepreneurs’ work-life balance often skews toward work. Deadlines, finding clients, making payroll and dozens of other stressors can put entrepreneurs at risk of mental illness.
Consider May’s Innovation Exchange as an opportunity to find equilibrium and rediscover your center. To normalize and cope with mental illnesses, this month’s event will welcome a variety of professionals to discuss mental health challenges and explore tips on work-life balance. We’ll host mental health professionals and entrepreneurs alike to discuss obstacles, deliver personal stories and share advice.
Hosted by Think Big Partners and Startland News, the Innovation Exchange, scheduled for 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., May 24 at Think Big.
– Julie Edge, Entrepreneur and life coach
– Arnobio Morelix, entrepreneurs researcher & SXSW presenter on ADHD and depression among entrepreneurs
– Dan Schmidt, founder of EBCFO
– Kay Grossman, Founder of Focus Dammit and an attention coach
– Rachel Keck, co-founder of Your Excellerant