Leading Without Breaking: Prioritizing Mental Health as a CEO

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a crucial time to shed light on an issue that often stays in the shadows, especially in boardrooms. As CEOs, we are seen as visionaries, decision-makers, and problem-solvers. But what’s often overlooked is that we are also human—subject to the same mental health challenges as anyone else, with the added weight of relentless responsibility.

I have lived it firsthand. Building and leading multiple companies, advocating for patients, writing a book, and navigating personal hardships—including being a COVID long-hauler and a survivor of domestic violence, elder abuse crime committed against my mother, then my mother’s death, death of my father from cancer, death of my brother, a single mom —have tested my mental fortitude in ways I never imagined. Through it all, one truth has become undeniable: mental health is the foundation of sustainable leadership.

The Invisible Burden 

Being a CEO often means absorbing the anxieties of your team, investors, and customers. We are expected to project confidence, even when we’re grappling with uncertainty behind the scenes. The constant push to outperform can quietly erode our well-being if we aren’t vigilant.

Yet, many leaders hesitate to acknowledge their own mental health needs, fearing stigma or the perception of weakness. This mindset is not only outdated—it is dangerous. Burnout, anxiety, and depression can silently undercut even the most brilliant leaders if left unaddressed.

Shifting the Narrative 

One of the most powerful moves we can make as CEOs is to normalize conversations around mental health—starting with ourselves. Sharing personal experiences, setting healthy boundaries, and creating cultures where well-being is prioritized sends a clear message: you don’t have to sacrifice your health to succeed.

In my own companies, I have made it a priority to foster environments that support mental health, offering flexibility, access to wellness resources, and an open-door policy where employees feel safe speaking up. But it starts at the top—with us.

Strategies for CEO Mental Health 

Here are practices I’ve embraced and recommend to fellow leaders:

• Set Boundaries Ruthlessly: Protect your time and energy. Schedule non-negotiable breaks and honor your personal commitments as fiercely as you do professional ones.
• Build a Personal Support System: Whether it is therapy, mentorship, or close friends, having people you can confide in—outside of your executive circle—is essential.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Leadership comes with mistakes and setbacks. Treat yourself with the same grace and patience you offer your team.
• Lead by Example: Your openness around mental health encourages others to do the same. Vulnerability can be a profound leadership strength.

The Bigger Picture 

Taking care of your mental health is not just about personal survival—it is about organizational success. When CEOs invest in their well-being, they lead with greater clarity, empathy, and resilience. They inspire trust and loyalty, driving their teams to do the same.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let us commit to breaking the stigma in the C-suite. The health of your business is deeply intertwined with your own. Take care of yourself—you are your company’s most valuable asset.

Written by Christina DiArcangelo.
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