Back in 2001-2003, I’ve battled a prolonged period of depressive moods (never called it depression even to myself). My first software business was slowly dying at that time. Since we worked from home (my team was always virtual), I’d have whole weeks without going out.

And then, in 2004, my wife and I gathered the courage (despite our dire financial situation) to take a long vacation. I felt refreshed enough to initiate a new project with my partners. And then I started walking every day (Brookline, MA is the best walking place in the US). That helped a lot – I discovered how walking would simply dissolve my mental tensions and worries literally within minutes.

However, I’ve always thought (and told to myself) that having down periods was a normal part of life. I probably learned that from my father who was a psychiatrist. I remember him having a slightly dismissive attitude towards the always “happy” people. Somehow that was suspicious to him – morally, intellectually, and even clinically.

And, of course, there is that theory about depression being a necessary period for our brain to process, shut-off external noise, “defrag”, and re-arrange stuff… in fact, being the basis of any creative effort. I really subscribe to that theory.

Anyway… thank you Brad for writing about this.

Does your running help lift your mood? I’ve been running for nearly 40 years and after about 3 miles, when those endorphins kick in, it’s like I’m a new person.

This I can relate too totally. I’ve been struggling over the last 6 months whilst setting up a dotcom ski chalet business and whilst this should be one of the most exciting times of my life (and in fact it is one of the most exciting times of my life) Ive had to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation that go hand in hand with depression… Being an entrepeneur is in itself often a lonely task with no one there to pat you on the back or tell you how well your doing – you have to be introspective and judge yourself and your acheivements constantly, the balance sheet is the only thing that really shows if youve made the right decisions and done the right things and no matter what that says at times it feels like bit of a cold existence.

I wouldnt want my life any other way but being an entrepreneur is often a series of highs and lows from day to day and whilst this is the reason why we do it, it can also be the hardest thing to handle.

Keep your head up, Brad. One of the few things I’ve enjoyed about getting older is at least I know the depression will end. Also, too bad you aren’t home tonight. Nothing like elementary school kids in costumes begging for candy to cheer one up!

Hmm. You’ve been traveling, running marathons, working long days and as busy as you’ve ever been – remember the aftermath of the 50 miler? Dopamine and other brain chemistry is roughly homeostatic – it seeks long-term equilibrium, and you can’t go manic/high without the accompanying low.

I think that, more generally, entrepreneurs are prone to this, whether it is caused by a mild bipolar tendency or whether it’s induced by their high energy and ambition. I suspect that the highs are an important component of success, as they not only fuel creative output but also lend charisma and excitement to a leader. Consequently, I agree strongly with Jerry that it’s great for you to talk about it, because it’s probably not possible to eliminate it in most cases – it’s part of entrepreneurship.

My own ups and downs are relatively minor and I’ve always felt like this was an inhibitor of entrepreneurial success.

I don’t think it is an entrepreneur thing…it is a human thing, and there is nothing more refreshing than expressing how truly human we all are. Thank you Brad

That’s a great post and topic. Entrepreneurs have so many ups and downs, it’s understandable that depression enters the vocabulary. But I think there is a red line between true depression and being down for just a day or two. The latter happens more often and can be dealt with, whereas depression is something that one doesn’t get out of for while, and one where medication is required. Depression is a form of capitulation. I refuse to even consider it an option or a cope-out choice.

very brave of you to talk about this Brad, my hats off to you. Here is a book that impacted me a lot, passed on by an EO friend:

I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression by Terrence Real. I don’t think it’s relevant for you considering the great relationship you have with your dad, but for lots of other entrepreneurs, it will be right on target.

I have a book named “Secrets of Self-Employment” by Sarah & Paul Edwards. There is a special section inside that deals with the roller coaster of emotions experienced by business owners, and for each emotion there is an explanation of what it means and several suggestions on how to deal with it. The book was written in 1991 but is still applies to our very changed world today. I highly recommend it as it helped me get through some dips.

I’;ve seen so many bad ideas, I can see why depression sets in. Do experiments first.Listen to Jack Dorsey.

I struggle with depression daily and have for 22 years. @jerrycolonna:disqus literally saved me one time, before he started his practice (and several times after). I knew he had struggled with it and had posted on his blog about it in the early 2000′s, which created additional issues for him, but it let me know there was someone I could talk with who got it.

So I showed up in his office (you were at Mouse?), and opened up. I had reached the land of Catatonia and had nowhere to go. But that conversation started me on a path toward accepting myself and reframing how I view things and my place in the world. Eventually he became my coach, and that guidance really help. What stayed with me was when he said “you’re already good, Charlie”. I didn’t believe it, so he repeated it. And it took me a long time to start to believe that and use that as a core belief that supported how I felt.

I see a lot of other long comments–there’s so much more to share, but I’ll ump to this: I’ve developed a few simple practices that have gotten me through tough days. Which can be every day sometimes. I force myself to smile, just smile big a few times a day. I ask myself “what do I get to do today”, not what do I “have to do” today. I remind myself after talking myself out of thinking decently about myself that I’m already good.

This weight always reminds me of when we learn how to ride a bike. If we look at the tree, we run right into it. If we look to where we want to go, we get past the tree. I try to imagine just looking at the beautiful blue sky instead of looking at the tree, and when I forget it becomes a mess (that leads into another inadequate metaphor).

I have a long way to go. Daily hikes help. Embracing kindness toward others helps, though I don’t always remember that. Embracing kindness toward myself is hard. My dog Bear helps.

You’re already good, Brad. You help so many people, and inspire us. You’ve helped me greatly, through this blog and through our occasional emails. Your encouragement and insights have moved the world toward a better place. And your recent book has healing power for millions if enough of us read it, spread it, and get our communities to embrace the power of startup ecosystems.

After all these years (I think we spoke a few times in 2005 or so about investment) we still haven’t met, but I feel I owe you a debt of gratitude, so here’s a payment toward that–thank you for all you do.

Now get some rest, take a deep breath, and keep on keepin’ on.

Thank you for opening this door, Brad and creating this space for people to open up. Thanks for making this okay. As you know, a lot of people look up to you.

It seems that people who do work that requires rawness are more susceptible to depression. Probably not so much cause and effect as mutually existing. I think a lot of people are depressed but their emotions are padded. Nothing removes the padding like living on the edge — entrepreneurs, artists, prophets all live on the edge.

As a young aspiring entrepreneur, It’s nice to read articles written by super successful entrepreneurs such as yourself on more challenging personal topics. I’m prone to depression and anxiety, and have found it has become heightened in my journey from student to “real person,” especially when I think about whether to pursue certain ideas or not. Thanks for sharing.