By Lolita Tramel, Founder & CEO of Hearts for Dementia Home Care
Being a woman in business is a difficult and daunting task. Like many of us, you woke up inspired to make a difference, rise to greatness and leave your imprint on the world. Hat’s off to you for taking on such a bold and powerful endeavor. Many of you have chased that dream with great tenacity never expecting the overwhelming expectations that would one day test your resolve. Juggling between family obligations and your amazing career almost seems like all you do is never enough. Stretched in many directions, you find yourself overwhelmed feeling inadequate, and often like a failure. Suddenly, you wished you worked a 9-5 and had a “normal and simple life.” Let’s face it, being a woman in business is double the struggle. Prior to becoming a woman in business, you understood that this would not be easy but you never thought it would be this difficult. You question your self-worth and if your good enough. The world thinks you have it all together, but internally you are in constant battle between darkness, anxiety and simply just managing life.
Well, it’s no surprise that women business owners and women climbing the corporate ladder may be victims to bouts of depression. Entrepreneurs and top women executives are faced with working long hours under high pressure to meet the demands of customers served. In addition, family obligations are always a concern and seem to fall to the wayside. It always appears like there is never enough time for family or for yourself. Unfortunately, this level of stress is prolonged often leading to intense feelings of sadness and burnout.
How to recognize depression?
Be extremely observant and self-aware of the signs and symptoms of depression.
Ask yourself the following questions,
- Have you been feeling sad for more than 2 weeks?
- Do you feel like a failure and that your best is just not good enough?
- Do you find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning to do what you once enjoyed?
- Have you experienced little to no energy?
- Are you disengaged from things you once enjoyed?
- Have you begun to socially isolate from family and friends?
- Has your appetite decreased or are you eating too much?
- Do you find it difficult to concentrate and focus?
- Do you feel empty and that life is not worth living?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, you may be suffering from depression and should seek immediate medical evaluation by a Primary Care Provider or a mental health professional.
Where do I go from here?
It’s time, my fellow woman in business, to take back your life and take care of you. The importance of self-care is imperative. Pause, reflect, and take control of making yourself your number one priority. Be mindful of your own personal needs and stop neglecting yourself. Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself will help you to feel empowered and more productive in the workplace. Secondly, change your thought process to always think positive. Remind yourself daily of how amazing you are, all that you have accomplished and all that you are meant to be. Envision yourself to always be the Rockstar you are. Positive thoughts bring positive outcomes. If you do not take care of you, you’re no good to yourself, employees, or customers. Your quality-of-life matters and it’s important to preserve your mental health in order to continue on this path of success.