When you think of Silicon Valley, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The high-tech world? Apps, startup companies, or maybe even Facebook? The one thing linking those ideas together in Silicon Valley is the idea of wealth – fame and fortune seems to run rampant throughout the area, with bundles of money being thrown into the faces of young entrepreneurs. And by ‘young,’ we mean young. Most entrepreneurs behind Silicon Valley startups are in their early-to-mid twenties, and it can be safe to say, most of them are very intelligent.
This intelligence is exactly what can unfortunately lead to a big downfall, more often than not. In a recent study by Dr. Michael Freeman, a professor at UCSF, discovered that out of 242 new entrepreneurs surveyed, over 49% had a mental health condition. What’s even more frightening? Depression was the top issue reported by those who struggled. Strangely enough, it wasn’t because they were wealthy and had no idea what to do with their buckets and buckets of money. Most entrepreneurs who struggle with depression in Silicon Valley have to deal with it because they are afraid of failure.
Think about it – if you’re in your early twenties, you decide to move to the tech hub of the country and start up your own business, in a world that seems to be running dry of totally fresh and new ideas, it might be a little intimidating. Chances are, you’ll either have to put every penny of your life savings into that business, or borrow money from family, friends, or even the bank, putting you in debt instantly. And then…what happens if that business doesn’t work out? There’s a fairly common saying in Silicon Valley, that 9 out of 10 new startups fail within the first year.
That’s a pretty strong statement for someone looking to start their own business.
Unfortunately, many of these startups do fail, and people are starting to feel the pressure earlier and earlier in life. In more recent years, high schools in Palo Alto, CA have started introducing therapy to their students, simply because the surrounding environment pushes for success, etc., so much, that the pressure can become overwhelming. And, more and more young entrepreneurs are seeking professional help as well, as the suicide rate in Silicon Valley begins to slowly rise among entrepreneurs. Many CEO’s of startup companies – even the successful ones – have stepped down, or taken a lesser role in their company due to their mental health and overall well being.
Depression and mental health are serious issues, especially when it comes to the pressures that come with owning/running a new company, or living in an area of the country that is surrounded by success, tech, etc. If you, or someone you know, might be struggling with a mental health issue of any kind, seeking professional help is always the best option. It’s important to take care of yourself before your company, and that can include therapy sessions with someone who can help you learn how to manage the depression that’s taken ahold of your mind.
Silicon Valley may not be the perfect ‘tech utopia’ it seems to be, but it also doesn’t have to be a terrifying dark cloud over California for entrepreneurs and those looking to live their dreams. Therapeutic help is out there for everyone, if you’re willing to take the first step.
For Palo Alto Therapy & Counseling, Dr. Lynn Alexander, helps people live richer, more satisfying lives.
