Psychologist Anna Heal

Hello Marcus. Thank you for sharing your experience. What you describe is a significant shift from your baseline of being decisive and resilient to a state of chronic worry and physical arousal. While entrepreneurship inherently involves stress, the constant dread, physical symptoms like a racing heart, sleep disruption, and the impact on your decision-making and team relationships suggest this has likely crossed beyond normal stress into the realm of an anxiety disorder, specifically what may be Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The key distinction is the pervasiveness and lack of a specific trigger, which differentiates it from typical situational stress.

It is crucial to understand that this is a common and treatable condition, not a personal failing. The first practical step is to consult with your primary care physician. This is to rule out any potential medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, that can mimic anxiety symptoms. Following that, seeking support from a licensed psychologist or therapist is highly recommended. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety. It would help you identify and challenge the catastrophic thought patterns, like mentally rehearsing every possible failure, and develop healthier coping strategies.

Alongside professional help, there are immediate steps you can integrate. Begin with structured worry time. Set aside 15-20 minutes each day to write down all your fears and potential solutions. When anxious thoughts arise outside this time, gently remind yourself you will address them later. This contains the anxiety. Secondly, focus on physiological regulation. When you feel your heart race, practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing to activate your body's relaxation response. Regular physical exercise is also a powerful anxiety reducer.

Regarding your business, consider implementing decisional frameworks. For example, for any opportunity, list the pros, cons, and worst-case scenario with a mitigation plan. This systematizes your process, reducing the emotional load. To address snapping at your team, practice a brief pause before responding and consider openly acknowledging your stress to them in a appropriate way, which can rebuild trust. Finally, schedule non-negotiable downtime. Your brain needs recovery. Persistent anxiety is a signal that your current coping resources are overwhelmed, and rebuilding them is essential for both your health and your business's long-term success.