A Modern Woman CEOs Guide to Mental Health
By: Ally Clinard
In the modern day workforce, ‘the grind’ is an applauded concept where the more you work, the more praise you earn. This is an absurd idea that has now become normalized within our society. We are conditioned to identify with our careers, despite how there is an entire other life outside of the workforce. Even more so, mental health does not function well on a level where there is only time for work and sleep. As we evolve within society, it is imperative that we prioritize mental health at the same level as one's physical health.
As numbers of women CEOs rise, it is important to discuss the relationship between being a CEO and also struggling with mental health. It must be normalized that women can excel in professional leadership roles while simultaneously working on their relationship with their mind.
There are four main energy wells that coincide with business and mental health: the body, emotions, mind, and spirit. Theoretically, each energy wellspring must be replenished as it diminishes in order for a professional job to be done well. Sam Abrahart, CEO of the clothing and lifestyle brand The Mayfair Group, recognizes these energy wells in a way that benefits her and her team. She spoke on the podcast, MOOD, about how being a CEO diminishes the help she has received when her mental health is lacking and how she experienced less patience regarding this with her title. As Abrahart poured herself into her brand, her mental health started to tank. With being a CEO, she recalls feeling guilty about taking time to focus on her mind, yet when she didn’t take care of herself she wasn’t able to perform at a level that her company needed her to.
Eventually, Abrahart was pushed over the edge and was left picking up the pieces of a broken mind. Through this, she was able to come out on the other side and build her business and position even better. She focused a large piece of her leadership on making sure her employees' energy wells were filled and their mental health restored. Beyond her company’s internal environment, Abrahart has made it her mission to normalize mental health struggles and be incredibly outspoken when it comes to women CEOs needing to take care of themselves.
Women belong in positions of power and the rising rate of women CEOs will only grow, but with this the need for normalizing mental health struggles within the business world will grow as well. As we work towards forming a society that recognizes you can be powerful and struggling at the same time, a positive change surrounding ‘the grind’ will occur. Truth is, ‘the grind’ applies to how well one takes care of themselves so they can perform at a skillful leadership level. Yes, you can be a woman CEO and yes, you can still struggle with your mental health.