ANY INDIVIDUAL IN A LEADERSHIP ROLE ALWAYS HAS AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND PRESSURE ON THEM. MAKING MILLION OR EVEN BILLION-POUND DECISIONS, WORKING LONG HOURS AND MANAGING EMPLOYEES WHETHER THAT IS A LARGE OR SMALL NUMBER CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT STRESS.

Addiction specialists point out that often executives turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with stress and mental health issues. They might have a couple of drinks at the end of a long work day to help them unwind and before long this becomes habitual or they may become reliant on other substances to stay alert and focussed. And a 2015 study shows an abnormally high incidence of mental health and substance abuse issues amongst entrepreneurs, far higher than the general population, particularly ADHD and bipolar disorder.

This is not something I have written about publicly before, although many people who know me are aware of this. About 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the culmination of which was me having a complete breakdown in the lobby of a hotel while on a business trip. I was convinced that the Devil and his hordes were occupying one complete wall of an atrium. I had previously sought help for my condition, but the medication provided by my GP (who told me it was best not to go around telling people that I had a serious mental condition) had made things worse not better. 

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