Running a business can be one of the most rewarding journeys you'll ever take, but it can also be one of the most demanding. As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a timely reminder that behind every business is a human being, someone juggling ambition, responsibility, pressure, and, often, a relentless to-do list. 

At RTC North, we work with hundreds of entrepreneurs and business leaders every year. We see the passion and drive that fuel innovation and growth, but we also see the hidden toll it can take. When you're the one calling the shots, managing the risks, and keeping the wheels turning, it's easy to put your own wellbeing at the bottom of the priority list. 

But here’s the truth: you are your business’s most valuable asset. If you’re running on empty, stressed, or isolated, it affects not only your own health but also your team, your decision-making, and your long-term success. 

Business owners often carry a unique kind of pressure. You're not just responsible for your own livelihood, but potentially that of your employees, clients, and partners. There's the constant pressure to perform, to adapt, to keep up, and with that comes long hours, financial stress, and often, a reluctance to ask for help. 

We hear from founders who feel they have to “keep it together” no matter what. But the reality is, nobody can do that indefinitely. Mental health isn’t a luxury or a weakness, it’s a foundation. 

So, how do you protect and nurture your mental health while running a business? 

• Build in breathing space. Whether it’s 10 minutes for a walk, a proper lunch break, or a regular weekend switch-off, small boundaries can prevent big burnouts. 
• Talk to someone. Whether it’s a mentor, coach, peer, or therapist, talking things through can help you gain perspective and reduce isolation. 
• Accept that you can't do it all. Delegate, automate, or even just postpone. Recognise that your energy is finite, and protect it. 
• Connect with others. Community and peer networks like those we support at RTC can be powerful sources of support,  you’re definitely not alone. 
• Celebrate small wins. In the rush to grow or survive, don’t forget to acknowledge progress. It matters. 

At RTC North, we’re committed to supporting the whole entrepreneur, not just the business plan. That means recognising mental health as a key part of your business journey. We’re proud to work with partners and programmes that champion wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable leadership. 

So this Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage you to pause, check in with yourself, and remember: looking after your mental health isn’t a distraction from success - it’s essential to it. 

If you’re struggling or just need to talk, there is support out there — and we’re always here to point you in the right direction.