Mental Health in Business: A Psychologist’s Journey to Balance and Success

“Work-life balance is a myth,” my client declared dramatically during a session. I couldn’t help but think of The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly tossing her coat and bag onto Andrea’s desk. The message? If you’re chasing success, you’d better be prepared to leave sanity at the door. But as a psychologist—and someone who’s lived the highs and lows of balancing mental health with ambition—I can confidently say, it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Modern Business Landscape: A Pressure Cooker

Running a business or climbing the corporate ladder can feel like you’re auditioning for Squid Game. Deadlines, competition, and imposter syndrome are all fighting for your attention, leaving mental health in the background. Trust me, I’ve been there. During my first year as a psychologist with a budding private practice, I burned out faster than a candle at a Game of Thrones wedding.

This hustle culture, glorified by phrases like “rise and grind,” can sometimes make us believe we’re only as good as our last accomplishment. But when you’re awake at 3 a.m., doom-scrolling LinkedIn and panicking over whether someone’s “Five Steps to 7-Figure Success” will leave you in the dust, it’s time for a mental health check-in.

Lessons from Pop Culture (and My Own Life)

Take a moment to think about Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope. She’s the poster child of ambition, energy, and relentless positivity. But even Knope faced burnout and had to learn the art of delegation and self-care. Like her, I’ve also struggled with juggling multiple hats—psychologist, entrepreneur, speaker, advocate—and found myself overwhelmed by the “always-on” culture.

One memorable moment came during a particularly hectic week when I tried to meditate to de-stress. Instead of finding inner peace, I found myself plotting a content calendar for Instagram during savasana. That was my wake-up call: even wellness practices can feel like another item on the to-do list if we’re not careful.

Building Resilience in the Business World

So how do we, as business leaders, build a framework where mental health isn’t an afterthought? Here are some practices I’ve found invaluable—not just in my work but in my own life:

1. Embrace the “Ron Swanson” Rule:In Parks and Recreation, Ron Swanson once said, “Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.” Focus is your best friend. Multitasking may seem productive, but it often leads to half-finished projects and full-blown anxiety. Learn to say no to tasks that aren’t aligned with your goals.

2. Create Non-Negotiable Boundaries:Think Friends’ Ross Geller yelling, “We were on a break!” when boundaries were crossed. Clear, firm boundaries—like ending your workday at a set time or unplugging during weekends—are vital. Personally, I’ve made Sunday mornings sacred for yoga and reflection, no exceptions.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins:Running a business can feel like an uphill marathon, but even marathons have water stations. Pausing to celebrate small victories, like completing a tough project or landing a new client, keeps motivation alive. I keep a “wins jar” on my desk and write down moments I’m proud of—sometimes as simple as “Didn’t hit snooze today!”

4. Seek Help, Without Shame:Whether it’s a therapist (Ted Lasso’s Dr. Sharon is goals) or a trusted mentor, don’t hesitate to lean on others. Mental health is a team sport, not a solo climb. I’ve seen firsthand how even business leaders can find breakthroughs through counseling.

Mental Health as an Investment

One lesson I’ve learned is that mental health isn’t just a personal concern—it’s a business asset. When I prioritized therapy and mindfulness, I noticed a shift in how I approached challenges. My decisions became clearer, my creativity flourished, and my relationships improved.

Investing in your mental well-being isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. If Tony Stark had taken a break to address his PTSD instead of diving into building suits in Iron Man 3, maybe we wouldn’t have had Ultron wreaking havoc.

Final Thoughts

In the end, prioritizing mental health in business isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about recognizing that success isn’t sustainable without self-care. As I often tell my clients (and myself), you can’t pour from an empty cup, but you can sip champagne from a half-full one.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. Take a walk, journal your thoughts, or revisit your favorite Schitt’s Creek episode (Moira’s wigs are a masterclass in self-expression). And remember: the most successful people aren’t the ones who never fall—they’re the ones who rise, learn, and keep going.