Conquering Depression isn’t easy. Many entrepreneurs and startup founders struggle through bouts of depression. How common is the issue of depression in the world of entrepreneurs? Well, it’s more common than you think. Why? Because being a founder or entrepreneur is a lonely job. It’s also very intense, with highs and lows that are un-common to those working more corporate and stable jobs. Depression and Entrepreneurs is the topic of this week’s show.
Brad Feld and Ryan Williams in The Influencer Economy
Brad Feld has had dark moments as an entrepreneur. He has lived his career in the fast paced world as an entrepreneur and startup investor. Hailing from Boulder, Colorado, Brad has struggled with depression throughout various points of life. This episode he and I get real on the struggle of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). We talk about what we go through when we’re depressed. It’s an honest chat. We both share our demons.
Brad believes that we all need to focus more on mental fitness. He believes that most of us focus on our physical health, and ignore our mental health. We all learn about physical fitness and it’s importance at a young age. Yet, we often ignore how our moods effect our mental well-being. Brad believes that mental fitness needs to be a bigger priority for all of us in business and life. Subscribe and listen to this episode with Brad Feld on iTunes!
Brad also shares what got him through his depression. It’s important to remember, that when you’re feeling low, the darkness will eventually fade. It’ important to remember that your mood will get better. Entrepreneurship is a thrill. Even with its challenges, finding a supportive network is one way to become un-depressed.. Brad Feld came on the podcast this week, to chat about depression and his own bouts with it. Listen to Brad Feld’s past episode on The Influencer Economy.
Brad is a world-class entrepreneur and investor. Having started Techstars, Foundry Group, he’s invested in hundreds and hundreds of companies. He knows the ups and downs that entrepreneurs go through. In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to cope with depression
- How to find support from loved ones when dealing with depression
- The signs of depression and OCD
- How Brad takes time off the grid in order to stay energized
- How to optimize your lifestyle to keep your mood stable
- How friends and a strong support network gets your thought low points
- Mental fitness and the importance of it
Brad Feld’s article on depression: http://www.feld.com/archives/2015/04/bringing-depression-shadows-startups.html
Brad Feld’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brad-Feld/e/B0043MYSL8
Brad Feld’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfeld
Amazing Podcast! Thanks to both of you for sharing your stories, this is definitely a topic that needs more exposure.
THIS. This is powerful. I appreciate your willingness to be vulnerable and explore a topic that deserves attention. I have worked in mental health with system involved youth and young adults and I have found analogies like those shared here to be valuable and effective. I have asked my clients why do we allow ourselves the right to seek help for a broken leg but don’t allow ourselves the same when a different part of our body is in need? I also walk them through a scenario where I have them close their eyes and picture themselves winning their favorite car for being Man of the Year. I have them visualize it parked in their driveway and all their family and friends are there looking at it. Then they pop the hood….something isn’t right with the engine and now the car won’t work right. I give them 3 options you can either a) take it to your uncle who said he can fix it for a six pack of beer b) roll it down the street and take it to the first shop you find c) take it back to the people who made it and have them fix it because it is still under warranty. They enthusiastically choose the last option. Then I connect it to why would we take so much care with our vehicle but not with ourselves? We can go to our Uncle and kick back some beers, we can wander around and wait for something to just show up or we can go to the experts and get the help we need. I don’t ever ask them to volunteer info on the spot because like many of your listeners, they don’t feel safe yet and they might not be safe sharing in their circles. I love that your podcast suggested to reach out to others that have been through it AND that requires more and more willing folks like yourselves to step out and share so they know who you are. I want that same option for my young men. I always applaud those that step out. THANK YOU!
…and now I am off to share this post with everyone I can. 🙂
Great information. Thank you for talking openly about your experiences with depression. I really appreciated the term “mental fitness”. I’d like to hear more about what helps people feel better. My sister and I host a podcast Giving Voice to Depression on iTunes where we air weekly, truly raw and honest conversations about the many facets of depression. Thank you for staring stigma in the face!
[…] across this interview with Techstars founder, Foundry Group investor, and author of Venture Deals, Brad Feld, where he talks about entrepreneurs and tackling depression. In the interview he talks about how to […]
This is an interesting point of view. I feel a lot of entrepreneurs are scared of failure and want to be bigshots at first stretch and then they get into depression. I think this is a very serious topic. Thanks for talking about it.
Hi sir, thank you for a powerful message to the viewers. This means a lot to all people who are battling with depression. You can no escape even you are a high profile person, you can not beat depression easily. Focus on what positive things that make you forget bad memories that trigger depression.