Depression is something that most business people never imagine will happen to them. They are often problem solvers by nature, if not by nurture, and tend to react to their own state of ‘feeling down’ as just another obstacle to push through. This ability to ‘push through’ is an outstanding quality and should be encouraged but there are times when this irresistible force meets the immovable mountain of depression.

At this point we should try to make a distinction between the state of ‘feeling down’ associated with grief and the state of a medically diagnosed depression.

If someone has lost (or is threatened with losing) their business, income, home, cars, reputation, status, friends and identity – Do you think they might be feeling a little down?
Heck, yes! Who wouldn’t be feeling lower than a snakes belly in that situation? So we might call that a ‘situational depression’, which is a very normal and healthy response to significant loss.

When someone is grieving they will slowly and gradually lift out of their ‘low’ state given time and support. But someone in depression will stay ‘down’ or may go lower, months and even years later. This is referred to as a major depressive episode and it is very important to seek help from a trained health-care professional like a counsellor, doctor or psychologist.

Check out the "symptom checklist" at BeyondBlue for great information about depression: www.beyondblue.org.au

"HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN"

A highly publicised example of the destructive cocktail of unspoken emotions and business trauma is the case of failed British businessman, Chris Foster, whose company was liquidated in 2007. Hours before the bailiffs were due to arrive to repossess him home and cars, Foster shot and killed his unsuspecting wife, his 15 yr old daughter and pets; set fire to his seven-bedroom country mansion and then turned the rifle on himself and committed suicide.

An incredulous world wondered how anyone could sink to such an act of desperation, yet such was the psychologically unstable condition of a man who had become not only financially bankrupt BUT emotionally bankrupt.

When interviewed, relatives and friends said that they knew he had some business problems but Foster didn't discuss his issues even with those closest to him. Friends and family were stunned "We had no idea that he had come to this state".

The trap is that business people have a tendency  to not talk about emotional issues and also to self-diagnose because of their independent nature: “There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m just under a lot pressure right now.” Those who work or live with you will often have a better idea of your real state, so if someone says to you that you need to consult a doctor, don’t ignore their advice.

The other stumbling block is that many of us are ashamed to admit that we might be suffering from depression – it can be perceived as a sign of weakness. “Depression’s for people who are soft in the head. I’m made of stronger stuff than that!”

We like to project an image of strength and capability, but ironically, it seems that these attempts to maintain an outward face of strength and control can be the one of the things that pushes us over the edge. Succumbing to depression is falsely perceived as the final act of weakness and the escape route of failures.

The illusion is that depression has something to do with lack of strength.

As explained in my book in the chapter on grief, allowing a proper grieving process is part of the solution and could be compared to a pressure release valve that is designed to protect our systems from overload and ensure proper functioning into the future. Women in general seem to have a better understanding of how this system operates. Conversely, too many males ignore the warning signs and keep their foot on the accelerator until the tyres are shredded and the pistons seized.

You might not be much of a reader of poetry, but the poem "Rain from Nowhere" by Murray Hartin will one day be rated up there with the works of Banjo Paterson. It will bring a tear to your eye and a ray of hope to your heart. This is a must read!! just click on the link to Murray’s website: www.murrayhartin.com.

Life After Liquidation

ReBound

from business collapse

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