Why social entrepreneurs are getting real about mental health

“Starting to be vulnerable encourages other people to feel okay being vulnerable” – Josh Babarinde

Mental health struggles are affecting social entrepreneurs – and it’s a global issue. At last month’s Good Deals + Beyond Good Business, we spoke to entrepreneurs and leaders from across the world about the often high levels of emotional pressure that come with running a social business, and how people are dealing with it. 

We learn that the stigma around mental health stops many South Africans from seeking medical help, while in Indonesia talking about what you're facing isn't really an option: “you should be okay in front of everyone”. 

Are things beginning to change? And what's the role of the investor in all of this?

Babarinde, founder of the London-based Cracked It, tells us about his experience of being honest with funders, partners and staff, while author and impact investing expert Jed Emerson highlights the responsibility we have to ourselves: “So much of entrepreneurship is individually driven. If we don't take care of ourselves as individuals, then your ability to lead, to communicate, to realise the vision you have is going to be much more limited.”

Video produced by Sasha Gallick at Fable Bureau for Pioneers Post; camera by Edward Japp

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