Mental Health Awareness: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honour

May isn’t just about sunshine and finally putting away your winter jacket. It’s also Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada.

This month shines a much-needed spotlight on mental wellness, reminding us that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies, businesses, and families. And if you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner? You know better than anyone that stress can hit like a freight train.

That’s why it’s crucial to not just talk about it, but to do something about it.

• The mental health challenges of entrepreneurship
• Mental wellness is good business
• What can you do?
• Resources in Canada
• How can your business support mental wellness?
• You’re not alone

The mental health challenges of entrepreneurship

Let’s be real: running your own business isn’t all coffee shop meetings and “living the dream.” It’s wearing a dozen hats, balancing invoices, late nights, early mornings, and making about a thousand decisions before lunch.

Financial stress, decision fatigue, and endless to-do lists are the daily reality for many entrepreneurs. And while chasing your goals can be incredibly rewarding, it’s also isolating. Being the boss often means keeping your worries to yourself, which can make the loneliness even sharper.

Then there’s the stigma. Even today, too many folks think asking for help is a sign of weakness, especially in business, where "toughing it out" is worn like a badge of honour.

The numbers tell the story: According to a 2023 study by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), over 46% of small business owners reported having mental health problems, including depression and acute stress, that affect their ability to work.

Mental wellness is good business

Here’s the truth: taking care of your mental health is good for business.

When your mind’s clear, you’re sharper, more creative, more decisive. You lead better, inspire more, and make smarter moves.

And your team? They notice. A healthy, mentally well leader creates a ripple effect. When your people see that it’s okay to prioritize wellness, they feel safer doing it too, which leads to better morale, less turnover, and a stronger, more loyal crew.

Long-term? Businesses that embrace mental wellness aren’t just surviving. They're thriving.

But at the end of the day, people matter more than your spreadsheets. Always.

What can you do?

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Start small, start real:

Sleep, move, unplug

• Aim for a solid 7–8 hours to keep your brain firing.
• Move your body daily, even if it's just a walk around the block. 
• And don’t forget a digital detox. Step away from the phone after hours. Emails can wait, but your peace of mind can't.

Work smarter

• Delegate what you can. You don’t have to be a one-person show.
• Prioritize what actually matters, not just what feels urgent.
• And say no without guilt. Your time (and sanity) is worth protecting.

Find your crew

Success isn’t a solitary sport.

• Lean on mentors, join peer groups, and don’t be afraid to talk to a therapist.
• Building your dream is easier and healthier with a support system behind you.

Stay grounded

• Meditate for a few minutes. Try a meditation app like Headspace or Calm. 
• Journal a few lines every day. It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare. Just a few lines about what you’re grateful for, what went well today, or what you want to let go of.
• Breathe deeply before meetings.

You don’t need to move to the Rockies to get it done. Little shifts can make a big difference.

Resources in Canada

You’re not flying solo. Help is out there:

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Local programs and advocacy across Canada.
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Resources for business owners and employees.
• Local initiatives: Many chambers of commerce and business groups offer mental health workshops.
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): If you have a team, EAPs can offer confidential support for both you and your employees.
• Online platforms: Services like Maple offer virtual access to licensed therapists and mental health professionals across Canada. They provide flexible, confidential support through video or text sessions, making it easier to get help when and where you need it.

How can your business support mental wellness?

Want to be part of the change? Here’s how to build a healthier workplace:

• Create open dialogue: Normalize talking about mental health at work.
• Encourage mental health days: Give people the space to recharge without judgment.
• Offer wellness benefits: Subsidize therapy, mindfulness apps, or fitness memberships.
• Lead by example: Your team will follow if you walk the walk. Prioritize your own wellness first.

You’re not alone

If you’re struggling, remember this: You’re not weak. You’re human.

Seeking help isn’t quitting. It’s stepping up for yourself, your loved ones, and your business.

This May, join the Mental Health Awareness movement. Share your story. Reach out to someone you trust. Start the conversation in your business. You never know whose life you might change — starting with your own.

If the digital side of things ever feels overwhelming, WHC is here to help lighten the load, so you can focus on what matters most.

Let’s leave burnout behind. Your mind (and your business) will thank you.