Studies Show That Self-Employed Women Are at a Greater Risk of Having Mental Health Issues

Being your own boss is a dream for many, but according to studies, self-employed women are at a greater risk of mental illness.

Over a period of four years, research by resurgo.co analyzed the pressures facing self-employed women and how these impacted their mental health. What they discovered was that one in five self-employed women had considered suicide, while one in five described their mental health as ‘bad’. 

What’s more, the risks aren’t as great for the menfolk. There was a huge disparity between male and female entrepreneurs, with the research concluding that women were at a greater mental health risk.

Why is self-employment a greater risk to women’s wellbeing? The research says ‘gender obstacles’ and ‘isolation’ are to blame. “Research has shown that women benefit more from same-sex social interactions than their male counterparts and that they are more sensitive to the release of oxytocin which is linked to social bonding and wellbeing,” explains qualified and accredited counselor and psychotherapist Fiona Hall.

“When women are self-employed and particularly if they have moved from being an employee to being self-employed, there is the loss of the casual camaraderie around the water cooler. These social interactions can make us feel more supported and grounded. The loss of these interactions can negatively impact our mental health and wellbeing and lead to a greater risk of mental illness.”

As a self-employed woman, you may also face sexist obstacles that can have an impact over time. “Focusing too much on gender obstacles can deflate a woman’s confidence and affect her ability to work towards where she wants to be. It can create doubt and frustration,” Hall surmises.

What else can you do? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help” 

Dr. Fiona Hall goes on to say “If I were to offer advice on looking after your mental health, I would say check in with yourself every day, or at least once a week. Listen to your body (eat healthy, get plenty of sleep) rest your mind and allow yourself time out if you need it. If things are overwhelming, prioritize, and make yourself the number one priority. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll solve a problem or get certain tasks addressed and who knows what doors may open for you.”

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Editor's Note: Whether you are just thinking about starting a business, already started a business which is in a holding pattern, struggling to get your business to stay afloat or wildly successful we want you in our entrepreneur community! Join us for our coming Women Entrepreneur Success 8 Self-Care Steps and Women Entrepreneur Mental Health Tool Box series with Brittany A. Johnson LMHC , and Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA and Women Move Forward Entrepreneur Mentoring Community Memberships in prelaunch, then go to Facebook and join our Women Move Forward private group too! We are all there waiting for you! 

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