Mental illness and mental health issues in startups is *massive.* Depression and anxiety are common, and I’ve talked with a number of founders & executives who struggle.

It’s ignored because it is seen as weakness. It is still a stigma.

The people I have spoken with have generally been guys in their 20s who were not going to give any indication that they struggled with *anything* to those they worked with or worked for them…even though internally, they were having a difficult time.

They worried that if they told anyone or got help that they wouldn’t get funding, would be seen as unstable, or that employees & investors would not see them as capable.

…but to the second part of your question, the results they produce are not always positive, and that’s often why it’s such a struggle.

They believe the hype, just like most others do…they see images of Zuckerberg, and other young founders and think they’re most certainly on their way….but tech startups and new businesses have notoriously high failure rates.

The failure and descent into failure is devastating for many, and the anxiety (and depression) that often accompanies even growing a successful business can be overwhelming.

I know of two people in tech that have committed suicide this past year, and I’m sure there are others I simply didn’t hear of. Unlike the money that can be made, these are stories that rarely make the news….and they should.