Ep. 20: Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety and Depression in Entrepreneurship A Conversation with Nova Beltran

In this episode of "Starting a Business Simplified," Nova Beltran and Suzy Wraines discuss the topic of high functioning anxiety and depression. Suzy highlights the importance of having a coach or mentor when starting a business or going through personal transitions, emphasizing the need to take care of oneself before helping others. The focus of the episode is on high functioning anxiety and depression, specifically targeting individuals who may be functioning well in their daily lives and may not realize they have underlying mental health issues.Nova, drawing from her experience as both a coach and therapist, explains that high functioning anxiety and depression can be easily hidden or difficult to detect. It may not appear as severe as major depressive disorder or panic attacks, but it can still have a damaging impact on a person's life if left unchecked. She notes that individuals with high functioning anxiety and depression often excel in their achievements, but their over-functioning and constant pushing can contribute to their anxiety and depression.The conversation delves into the symptoms and indicators of high functioning anxiety and depression. For depression, Nova mentions feelings of going through the motions of life, difficulty concentrating, lack of joy in activities, flat affect, sadness, loneliness, anger, irritability, disconnection, fatigue, low energy, hopelessness, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, and engaging in numbing activities. Despite experiencing these internal struggles, individuals with high functioning anxiety and depression may appear present and engaged in their daily tasks.Suzy relates to the discussion, sharing her own experience of high functioning anxiety and depression while dealing with PTSD from her deployment in Iraq. She admits to normalizing her struggles for nearly 10 years and pushing through without seeking help, ultimately experiencing exhaustion and needing time to decompress on her days off.The episode serves as an important reminder to listeners that even when they are seemingly functioning well, it is crucial to be aware of their mental health and seek support if needed. It emphasizes the significance of recognizing and addressing high functioning anxiety and depression to prevent them from escalating to more severe levels.Contact Nova Beltran:www.novabeltran.comResources: 988 is the suicide and crisis lifeline https://988lifeline.org/866-903-3787 is the national mental health hotline https://mentalhealthhotline.org/Connect with Suzy Wraines:SuzyWraines.comSchedule a call: https://683519.17hats.com/p#/scheduling/ptcxpgvbdngwrshnkxktgrvpsbpkxvxdLinkedIn: Suzy Wraines⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzywraines/⁠Join the Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/startingabusinesssimplified This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startingabusinesssimplified.substack.com