Navigating the Mental Health Strains of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
The Mental Weight of It All
Introduction
Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as the epitome of freedom and success. However, behind the glamour lies a stark reality: entrepreneurs grapple with higher rates of mental health issues than their counterparts in traditional 9-5 jobs. Now, add the unique challenges of motherhood into the mix, and you have a recipe for serious mental health strains. Today's blog post aims to shed light on this often-overlooked reality and offer strategies for navigating the complex intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship while safeguarding mental well-being.
The Mental Health Struggle Is Real
Research consistently shows that entrepreneurs face heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to individuals in conventional employment roles. The pressures of building and sustaining a business, coupled with the uncertainty of financial stability, can take a significant toll on mental health.
Raven: She’s One of Us
Baby and Business
Consider this story. Raven Blackwood is a driven and ambitious woman who has always had a passion for entrepreneurship. After working in corporate America for several years, she decided to pursue her dream of starting her own business. Raven launched a boutique online store selling handmade jewelry and accessories, combining her love for creativity with her business acumen.
Despite her success as an entrepreneur, Raven faces significant challenges when it comes to her mental health. The pressures of building and sustaining her business, coupled with the demands of motherhood, have taken a toll on her emotional well-being. Raven struggles with depression and anxiety, often feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggling act of running a business while also being a present and engaged mother to her two young children.
Raven is not alone in her struggles. Many powerhouses, like her, face each day weighed down by the burdens they carry. While Raven's journey is unique, it mirrors a common experience among entrepreneurial mothers. Her story underscores the hidden battles with stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany outward success. As we delve into the complexities of mental health in entrepreneurship, it becomes apparent that Raven's challenges resonate with countless others. By shining a light on these shared experiences, I aim to extend an invitation for women navigating similar struggles to extend themselves grace and compassion.
Meet Shireeta and How She Copes
Shireeta, like Raven, also struggles. She is a mom of two boys and four bonus children. More often than she would like, she manages the drama that comes with blending a family. Not to mention, she in in the process of scaling her business. That has come with a lot of challenges she didn’t expect. Going from a solopreneur to a company that has several full-time employers, she’s feeling the weight and responsibility of leadership on her shoulders. On top of all this, she struggles with PTSD, from the violence that came with an earlier relationship, along with childhood trauma. She is determined to do more than just keep it all together. She wants to thrive— holistically. And part of that means she is committed to a set of coping mechanisms that include the following. She practices mindfulness and meditation regularly, finding solace in moments of quiet reflection. Shireeta also leans on her support network, including her sister-cousin and close friends, for emotional support and encouragement. Additionally, she has started attending therapy sessions and lifting weights to work through her feelings..
Finding Balance with Ayla
Ayla is the mom of one baby girl. She is looking to achieve a sense of balance and peace in her life, both personally and professionally. Somewhere between caring for an infant and trying to birth out another baby— her accounting firm— she never sleeps. After a couple bouts with what she delirium, she has been committed to creating better balance in her life. This includes setting her pride aside and asking for help, getting business sponsorship so that she doesn’t have to immediately rely on dollars from her clients to help her both build her company and care for her child. Now she can focus on building the infrastructure, and focus less on sales. Ayla is determined own her mental health and manage what’s in her power.
The Mothering, Entrepreneurship, and Mental Health Toolkit
Navigating the intersection of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and mental health presents a unique set of challenges for women. To help you integrate these three into your life more seamlessly, below is a toolkit designed to support mother entrepreneurs looking to not lose their minds. From embracing flexibility to nurturing self-care practices, these strategies aim to empower women to thrive in both their business ventures and their roles as mothers.
Embracing Flexibility
Flexibility is key for mother entrepreneurs, allowing them to adapt to the ever-changing needs of both their businesses and their families. By embracing the inherent flexibility of entrepreneurship, mothers can tailor their work schedules to accommodate their family's needs while still making strides in their business endeavors.
Setting Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and family time is essential for maintaining a healthy balance. Strategies such as establishing designated work hours, creating a dedicated workspace at home, and learning to say no or delegate tasks can help mother entrepreneurs prioritize both their professional and personal lives effectively.
Support Systems
Building a strong support network is crucial for mother entrepreneurs. This includes seeking out mentors and networks of fellow women entrepreneurs for professional guidance and encouragement, as well as relying on family, friends, and childcare providers for personal support and assistance.
Managing Financial Stress
The financial unpredictability of entrepreneurship can pose significant challenges for mother entrepreneurs. To mitigate this stress, it's essential to engage in thorough financial planning, diversify income sources, and prepare for lean periods to ensure both business sustainability and family security.
Self-Care and Mental Health
Amidst the hustle of entrepreneurship and motherhood, prioritizing self-care is paramount. Nurturing one's mental and physical well-being is not only essential for personal health but also critical for sustaining both business success and family harmony. Implementing self-care practices tailored to busy entrepreneurs can help alleviate stress and foster overall well-being.
Success Stories
Drawing inspiration from the experiences of successful mother entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights and encouragement. By showcasing stories of women who have effectively balanced their business ventures with their family commitments, readers can glean practical strategies and find motivation to overcome similar challenges.
The journey of motherhood and entrepreneurship is multifaceted, requiring women to navigate a complex landscape of responsibilities and priorities. By embracing flexibility, setting boundaries, cultivating support systems, managing financial stress, prioritizing self-care, and drawing inspiration from success stories, mother entrepreneurs can build resilience and thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Through this toolkit, we hope to empower women to navigate the intersection of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and mental health with confidence and grace.
Conclusion
Although none of the anecdotes above are true accounts, they are based on real women’s stories. On a regular basis, I coach women who are juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship and ttheir mental health. And these stories are a combination of the many things I hear. Despite the obstacles they encounter, they remain resilient and determined to prioritize their well-being and pursue their dreams. Their stories serve as inspirations to others struggling with similar challenges, reminding us all that we are not alone. With some honesty, strategy, and flexibility, we may just hold on to our minds while we do the “impossible.”
Engaging the Reader
In August, we celebrate National Black Business Month by exploring the relationship between mothering, entrepreneurship, and mental health. Think about how the stories and strategies discussed here might resonate with your unique experiences as a mother entrepreneur. Are there areas where you could benefit from embracing greater flexibility or setting clearer boundaries? Can you identify opportunities to strengthen your support network or prioritize self-care practices tailored to your busy lifestyle?
We encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments section below. By fostering open dialogue and mutual support, we can cultivate a community where mother entrepreneurs feel empowered to navigate the challenges of balancing business, family, and mental health with resilience and grace.
Together, let us continue to learn, grow, and support one another on this transformative journey of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and holistic well-being.
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
In the Infamous Mothers Universe (IMverse), we're fully immersed in the transformative Covet season. This is the phase where extraordinary women in our world wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to becoming the versions of themselves that once seemed out of reach. During this season, women are achieving their health and wellness goals, increasing their bottom lines, and accomplishing things that were once deemed 'impossible'. Our mission is crystal clear: we exist to inspire, motivate, and educate you as you relentlessly pursue the very dreams you've longed for.
If you want to join us in Covet season, are ready to delve deeper into the enriching content of this series, we have more FREE content to offer:
Subscribe to our blog: Gain access to valuable content that can spark your personal transformation (complete the Weekly Wench form below).
Join our Wanted newsletter: Stay in the loop with the latest resources.
Join our growing Instagram community to connect with kindred spirits. We're here to empower you throughout Covet Season, guiding you to turn your dreams into a vibrant reality.
Photo Credit: Chris Charles
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers