Prevalence of mental health issues among senior leaders

Mental ill health at the highest levels of leadership is not a new concept. Davidson et al (2006[1]) reviewed biographical sources and reported that even significant numbers of US presidents have suffered from psychiatric disorders (18 between 1776 and 1974). Depression (24%), anxiety, bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse/dependence (all 8%) were the most common.

The InsideOut Leaderboard publishes a list of prominent individuals who have openly shared their journeys through poor mental health:

An Institute of Directors survey[2] published in support of Time To Talk Day 2019 showed that half of the 500 respondents had experienced poor mental health, in part connected to factors such as a lack of work life balance and heavy workloads. Research conducted by Gordon Simmons CEO has reported a steady increase in mental health struggles among US CEOs from 12% in 2018 to 31% in 2022.

Freeman et al (2015[3]) used self-report surveys to gain an understanding of the prevalence of mental health disorders in entrepreneurs. Of the 242 entrepreneurs who took part, 49% reported having one or more lifetime mental health condition, with depression (30%) again being the most common condition. This suggests at much higher rates of depression than in the general population (where 7-10% is generally accepted), further pointing towards a growing mental health crisis in the corporate world.

[1] Davidson JR, Connor KM, Swartz M. Mental illness in U.S. Presidents between 1776 and 1974: a review of biographical sources. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2006 Jan;194(1):47-51. Last accessed online 21.5.2023. [Available at]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16462555/

[2] Last accessed online 21.5.2023. [Available at]: https://www.iod.com/resources/blog/mental-health/business-leaders-and-their-mental-health/

[3] Freeman et al (2015) Are entrepreneurs Touched with Fire. Last accessed online 21.5.2023. [Available at]: https://michaelafreemanmd.com/Research_files/Are%20Entrepreneurs%20Touched%20with%20Fire-summary.pdf