Changing The Way We View Depression Within Entrepreneurship

I don’t have all the answers. But here are some things I’ve learnt…

Matt Lillywhite
3 min readFeb 25, 2019

Entrepreneurship Is Lonely.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for several years. During this time, I’ve learnt that it’s tough. It’s lonely. And only those with the intestinal fortitude to push through are the ones who achieve long-term success.

Those people who have big dreams & ambitions often fall victim to depression. The constant battle against oneself to overcome adversity is a road of struggle and mental resilience.

Entrepreneurs are self-made businessmen. Entrepreneurs are thriving creators in a sea of unknown. They love the chase of trying to solve a problem, building from the ground-up, and creating solutions that benefit society. If nothing else, they are warriors.

Dealing With Depression.

I am not a mental health expert. Nor am I a psychologist or somebody with professional experience relating to mental health. But as an entrepreneur myself, I am currently fighting the battle. I am currently working every single day in order to fulfil my ambitions. You don’t have to be an expert to know that a passionately strong work ethic can sometimes take its toll on emotional & physical health.

In the past few months, I’ve suffered from multiple panic attacks as a direct result of working too hard, and overthinking issues faced within my daily life. I’ve battled depression, and sometimes feel that what I’m doing is worthless. I want this article to be honest. Like any entrepreneur, I am simply finding my way on a path to success. Who said it would be straightforward?

This video from Gary Vaynerchuk perfectly explains the issues regularly faced by entrepreneurs on a daily basis:

Battling Adversity.

Upon calming down, and realising my greater vision, it becomes much easier to gain clarity on my goals. It becomes much easier to understand why I am doing this, and the accomplishments that I have already acheived.

I am pulling from both ends. I am fighting a battle of adversity with the odds stacked against me, whilst simultaneously working every single day trying to accomplish each goal.

Nothing great comes easy.

Adversity and setbacks are faced a lot more frequently than success. The truth is that most days can be tough, lonely, and difficult to overcome. But ultimately, it is the lifestyle that myself (and millions of others) have chosen.

Mark Cuban said:

“It’s not about money or connections. It’s the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone when it comes to your business. And if it fails, you learn from what happened and do a better job next time”.

Winning the battle.

Failure is common. Adversity is frequent. And setbacks on a daily basis are practically guaranteed. But in order to be part of the 1% of successful people on this planet, you have to be prepared to do what 99% of people aren’t.

That’s what makes us entrepreneurs. That’s what allows us to continue the fight, challenge the status quo, and achieve success.

Entrepreneurship is not glamorous. It is tough. It is brutal.

Depression is faced by the majority of people as a direct result of circumstance. But if you have a great support network that can help you push through the difficult times, you can overcome practically anything that comes your way.

How To Connect With Me.

I understand that some people do not have people which they can speak to in times of hardship & depression. If you ever find yourself lost, feel free to reach out to me at Matt@thelillywhiteorganization.com and I will do my best to help you through whatever adversity you are facing.

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Matt Lillywhite
Matt Lillywhite

Written by Matt Lillywhite

Storyteller and part-time procrastinator. Writing to inspire, entertain, and avoid doing laundry. Substack: https://mattlillywhite.substack.com/subscribe

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