Mental health in the executive suite: balancing work, family, and wellbeing

The familiar phrase ‘it’s tough at the top’ rings particularly true for high-profile executives and CEOs. Balancing demanding work responsibilities with health and family obligations can be precarious, and finding someone to share the burden with can be immensely challenging. These pressures often leave little room for self-care, and take a deep psychological toll. Research highlights the mental health challenges faced by individuals in these roles. In 2008, former Fortune 500 CEO Philip Burguieres estimated that 50% of CEOs experience depression at some point in their lives¹. A later study then demonstrated that almost the same proportion of CEOs did report directly living with one or more mental health condition, while 72% self-reported generalised health concerns². Moreover, all CEOs surveyed in another study mentioned feeling overworked, fatigued, and continually stressed³. It has been suggested that mental health issues are more prevalent among CEOs, often due to the psychological traits and attributes that make for great leaders⁴.

As we begin the scratch the surface of the unique stressors faced by high-profile executives, it becomes clear that addressing their mental health needs is vital. This blog will delve into the psychological impact of these challenges and provide insights into how healthcare professionals can support their patients.

Pressures of modern parenthood in high stress roles

Work-life balance

Balancing the demands of a high-stress job with the responsibilities of parenthood presents unique and highly nuanced challenges for both fathers and mothers. Women are statistically more than two times as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety; a number that is only increased for those in high pressure roles. This is perhaps given the stigma they feel of having to work twice as hard as men to move up the corporate ladder, combined with shouldering most of the caregiving for children – both burdens that result in increased feelings of stress and being overwhelmed⁵. While high-profile fathers are often ‘expected’ to excel in their careers as well as maintain a strong presence at home. Long working hours, frequent travel, and high levels of responsibility can make achieving a work-life balance incredibly difficult. Additionally, the presumption of succeeding professionally while being a supportive and engaged father create constant pressure. For example, a study highlighted that 45% of fathers experience tension when trying to balance work and family life, with 37% reporting that their mental health is negatively affected as a result⁶. This tension is not only felt at home but also in the workplace, where expectations can clash with parental duties.

It’s clear that pressures faced by both mothers and fathers in these roles can be intense, multifaceted and overwhelming, especially when compounded by the high expectations set by both work and home environments – often leading to significant mental and physical health concerns.

Impact on mental health

The immense pressures faced those in high-profile positions can be key contributors to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and burnout. Early indicators of these conditions often manifest as persistent feelings of being overwhelmed, irritable, and chronically fatigued. For many, the demands of their professional roles often leave little time for self-care or meaningful family interaction, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress. The societal expectation for CEOs and executives to remain stoic and resilient further compounds these challenges, and makes it difficult for them to seek help or express vulnerability. The relentless strain of balancing high-stress jobs with family responsibilities can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening consequences if not addressed.

Understanding and addressing these mental health challenges is essential. Providing targeted support and early intervention can make a significant difference in the lives of discerning individuals, helping them navigate the complex demands of their roles both at work and at home. Healthcare professionals and therapists must be aware of these pressures and proactively offer resources and strategies to support the mental wellbeing of this demographic.

The link between physiological health and psychological wellbeing

It isn’t just mental health that is impacted by trying to meet the demands of work and family; the effects this has on physiological health can also be profound. Constantly juggling responsibilities of high-stress jobs, coupled with family responsibilities, create a relentless cycle of pressure that leaves little room for personal time, fitness activities or relaxation.

The emotional strain of balancing high-stress work with family life can lead to feelings of inadequacy, failure and feeling perpetually overwhelmed⁷. Executives often feel immense pressure to excel in their careers while being present and supportive at home. This emotional toll can severely impact their overall wellbeing, job performance, and family relationships. Persistent stress and anxiety can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, leading to burnout and a decline in mental health. The broader implications of these challenges are significant, affecting not only professional efficiency and family dynamics, but also physical wellbeing⁷. This is since stress, depression and anxiety are all triggering or aggravating factors for a myriad of diseases and pathological conditions⁷. Long-term stress, for example, can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease⁸. Research indicates that executives exposed to continuous stress are at a higher risk for these conditions; according to the CEO Health and Wellness Survey⁹, 59% of participating executives were at high cardiac risk, 36% had high blood pressure, almost 13% were at risk of developing diabetes, and 23% had high cholesterol levels.

Understanding the comprehensive impact of stress on both mental and physical health is crucial for healthcare professionals working with high-profile clients, and the statistics underscore the critical need to mitigate these health risks. By addressing these issues, professionals can help executives maintain their health and wellbeing, ensuring they can continue to perform at their best in all aspects of their lives.

Challenges for executives: how can stress lead to addiction?

High levels of stress and the relentless pressure to perform can often lead to ill mental health which, in turn, may result in developing damaging addictive behaviours as a form of escapism, further worsening mental health. High-profile professionals are particularly susceptible to this vicious cycle due to the excessive responsibilities demanded of them. They frequently juggle multiple projects, tight deadlines, a never-ending stream of work, and a constant pressure to excel. These can lead to feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and depression and consequently, many turn to substance dependencies or behavioural addictions as a means of coping.

Research supports this fact that high achievers are especially at risk for burnout and addiction¹⁰. This is because the very mindset and dedication that drive their success can also lead them down a damaging path. For instance, studies suggest that between 15-24% of lawyers will suffer from alcoholism during their careers¹¹. This underscores the importance of recognising the early signs of addiction and intervening before any potential problem escalates.

Recovery challenges for executives

But, for these individuals that are then progressing through recovery or addiction rehabilitation, more unique challenges arise. These include stigma, privacy concerns, and the need to maintain professional image while undergoing treatment – as well as balancing this with work and family responsibilities. Maintaining sobriety while simultaneously managing high-stress roles and fulfilling professional obligations can be incredibly daunting. The fear of judgment and the potential impact on their careers often deter many executives from seeking the help they need.

The importance of support systems

A robust support system is crucial in the recovery process for executives. Family, professional help, and peer support play vital roles in ensuring a successful recovery. Providing a confidential and supportive environment where executives can address their challenges without fear of stigma is essential. Encouraging a culture of openness and understanding within the workplace can also positively contribute to this journey.

Balancing recovery and responsibilities

Balancing recovery with professional and personal responsibilities requires careful planning and support. Strategies include setting clear boundaries between work and recovery time, prioritising self-care, and seeking professional guidance to navigate this complex landscape. It is essential for executives to develop a structured routine that allows for both recovery and the fulfilment of their obligations without compromising either.

Recovery and reintegration: Harbor’s approach to executive addiction recovery

At Harbor, we understand the unique challenges faced by high-profile individuals in managing their recovery while maintaining their professional and personal responsibilities. We offer utterly discrete treatment and rehabilitation programmes that cater to the specific needs of discerning individuals, whose privacy is the main priority. Our approach combines one-at-a-time, fully curated care for executives with the luxury they are accustomed to, as well as ensuring a seamless integration back into daily life. Harbor’s comprehensive mental health care includes tailored treatment plans, ensuring that every aspect of an individual’s health and wellbeing is addressed.

By providing a supportive and confidential environment, Harbor helps these people navigate their recovery journey with dignity and discretion. Our executive mental health support is designed to meet the unique demands of those in high-stress roles, facilitating a smoother transition back into their professional and personal lives while maintaining long-term sobriety and mental wellbeing.

References

• https://chiefexecutive.net/when-ceo-depression-and-anxiety-trickle-down-into-a-company/
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11187-018-0059-8#citeas
• https://www.transformativeconversations.com/blog/executive-mental-health/2018/5/6
• https://hortoninternational.com/is-there-mental-health-support-for-your-ceos/#:~:text=A%20study%20showed%20that%2049,and%20suffering%20from%20continual%20stress
• https://fortune.com/2022/01/21/women-mental-health-careers-support-employers/
• https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/mental-health-for-modern-day-dads/82686/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/
• https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w28550/w28550.pdf
• http://www.arabianwellness.com/index.php?page=ceo-health-wellness-survey
• https://www.orchestratehealth.com/executive-burnout-and-addiction/
• https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/nov/13/doctors-lawyers-alcohol-addiction#:~:text=