Mental Health for Leaders Who Strive to Succeed
Everyone is called to become a leader in their circle of influence, work, church, and families. Leaders often carry a persona, showing strength and stamina to guide their flock. In a society that strives for greatness, they are particularly at risk of experiencing exhaustion, relational issues, and mental health issues. Even the most successful and dynamic people will likely feel stuck, unfulfilled and isolated.
But like anything in life, it takes intentionality, awareness, and authenticity for leaders to thrive in all areas of their lives.
What blind spots do leaders need to watch for?
Conflict in relationships: When a leader is experiencing stress, this can appear in their relationships. Many leaders lash out at loved ones when they feel the most stressed. Conflict in relationships arise because they fail to disconnect from or process the stressors present at the moment.
Self-medicating: Medicating or escaping from feelings only suppresses them momentarily. These feelings do not go away and may appear later, often more intensely than last.
Lack of a safe space: It is essential for leaders to have a safe place where they can express and process their feelings. This safe circle may also provide a healthy perspective when a leader needs an external opinion and insight.
How can someone become a healthier leader?
Becoming a healthier leader involves a higher level of self-awareness and continuous efforts towards inner life healing. This includes processes like rediscovering passions, recognizing red flags, getting help and support through a business or personal coach, or seeking professional help through mental health counseling.
According to Allen Morris, who authored the book All In, becoming a healthier leader is "Risking everything for everything that matters." Going "all in" means healing the tired and hurting leader within who isn't experiencing joy through their life accomplishments.
Proverbs 4:23 commands us - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." While temporal achievements can appear to satisfy for the short term, prioritizing life's emotional part will positively impact every other area!
Allen Morris' book, All In, is available for purchase in our Wellspring store.