How Is Your Mental Health Doing?

No matter your age or where you are, mental wellbeing is a strategic priority. Mental health is often treated as a personal issue – something to be managed quietly, in the background, or only when things reach breaking point. But for entrepreneurs, and especially for founders navigating high-pressure environments, mental wellbeing is not a luxury or afterthought. It is a strategic necessity.

Founders who take care of their mental health make clearer decisions, lead more
effectively, and build businesses that are not just successful, but sustainable.

And this is true regardless of your age or where in the world you have chosen to build your dream.

Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship

Launching and leading a business is a unique experience. It can be exhilarating and fulfilling, but it is also mentally demanding. The endless decision-making, financial uncertainty, and responsibility for employees and outcomes can weigh heavily on founders.

Burnout is common, especially when there is a culture of constant hustle. Long hours, blurred boundaries, and the pressure to always perform can drain energy and lead to emotional detachment. Anxiety is also widespread, fuelled by investor expectations, tight deadlines, and a fear of failure. Many founders feel isolated, carrying the load alone without a clear support network. For some, these pressures lead to depression, especially when progress stalls or personal sacrifices begin to mount. Sleep is often one of the first things to go, which only adds to the strain.

These issues are well known among founders in every part of the world. But when you add the experience of building a business in a different country, the pressure increases in ways that are often invisible from the outside.

Living Abroad Adds Additional Layers

Building a business in a country like Thailand, where you may not fully understand the language, legal framework, or cultural norms, adds another layer of mental load. Even experienced entrepreneurs can feel off balance when navigating unfamiliar bureaucracy, dealing with communication challenges, or adjusting to local business etiquette. What might be routine at home can become a source of frustration abroad. Expectations around timelines, processes, or relationships may be unclear, and the constant need to adapt can be exhausting.

Social isolation can also feel more intense in a foreign country. Without a familiar network of mentors, peers, or friends to talk to, the sense of being alone in it can become overwhelming. Everyday tasks such as managing documents, accessing services, or negotiating terms may require significantly more effort and patience.

This does not mean foreign founders are destined to struggle. But it does mean that mental wellbeing needs to be part of the business strategy, not just something left to chance.

Age and Resilience: The Double-Edged Sword

It is true that people over 40 often report fewer mental health issues than younger adults. Studies show that emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience tend to improve with age. Older founders may have faced previous challenges in life and business, and these experiences help them handle pressure more effectively. However, no one is immune.

While experience can help, the reality of being in a new environment or facing unfamiliar stressors can push even the most seasoned entrepreneur to their limit. In some cases, those in older age groups may also be less inclined to seek help due to stigma or a belief that they should simply push through.

Younger founders, particularly those under 35, often experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout. The pressure to prove themselves, combined with less life
experience and more financial or career uncertainty, makes them especially vulnerable.

What this shows is that mental health challenges can affect anyone. Regardless of age,
it is important to stay aware and take action when needed.

What Founders Can Do To Protect Their Mental Health

Looking after your mental wellbeing starts with simple habits. Sleep, movement, healthy eating, and structured time management all contribute to a stable foundation. Practices such as meditation, journaling, or taking regular breaks can also help you stay focused and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Equally important is building a support system. That might include mentors, business groups, therapists, friends, or family. Being able to talk honestly and share your struggles with people who understand makes a big difference. Professional support is not a last resort. It is a smart, proactive choice that reflects strength, not weakness.

As a founder, you are the engine of your business. Keeping yourself mentally healthy helps you make better decisions, maintain perspective, and lead with confidence and empathy.

Mental Health, Not Just A Personal Concern

It is a business concern. Whether you are a 25-year-old founder launching your first startup, or a 50-year-old entrepreneur expanding a company in a new country, your mental wellbeing plays a crucial role in your success.

When you take care of your mind, you sharpen your thinking, strengthen your leadership, and create the space to thrive.

So wherever you are, and whatever stage of life or business you are in, it is worth pausing to ask yourself: how is your mental health?

If you’re building a business in Chiang Mai and want more peer support, explore the Chiang Mai Business Network to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.