During Mental Health Awareness Month, Bethany Mason, Director of Talent Marketing & Engagement, is sharing her personal story to shine a light on the vital connection between mental health and leadership. Her goal is to inspire individuals to lead authentically and prioritize their well-being, proving that thriving as a leader begins with acknowledging and valuing your own mental health.

Can You Truly Thrive in Leadership While Living with Anxiety and Depression?

Short answer: Yes—not only can you thrive, but you can lead with more empathy, clarity, and purpose than you ever imagined.

How Can Someone Lead Effectively While Struggling with Anxiety or Depression?

By leading authentically. Thriving in leadership doesn’t mean pretending to be invincible. In fact, the best leaders often rise because of—not in spite of—their struggles. Anxiety and depression might challenge your energy, focus, or confidence, but they also sharpen your emotional intelligence, resilience, and ability to connect deeply with others. When you acknowledge your mental health journey, you step into a kind of leadership that is courageous and contagious. You model self-awareness, boundaries, and the power of vulnerability.

Could Mental Health Challenges Be Viewed as a Negative in Leadership Roles?

Absolutely not! Let’s reframe that. Struggling silently is not strength—it’s survival. True strength is facing the hard stuff and still choosing to show up, lead, and inspire. Leaders with anxiety often anticipate problems early and prepare deeply. Those with depression can develop incredible empathy and a deep understanding of the human experience. These are not weaknesses; they’re your leadership superpowers—sharpened through personal experience.

What Are Practical Strategies for Managing Mental Health and Leadership Responsibilities?

Here are five ways leaders cannot just cope, but thrive:

1. Build a trusted circle. You don’t need a huge support system, but you do need a few people who truly see you — mentors, peers, or a therapist. You were never meant to do this alone.
2. Set human, not heroic, expectations. Leadership isn’t about martyrdom; It’s about impact. Give yourself permission to step away when needed — that pause can fuel your next breakthrough.
3. Protect your mornings or evenings. Having a non-negotiable ritual (journaling, walking, quiet time) can be a game-changer. It doesn’t cure anxiety or depression, but it grounds you before the storms hit.
4. Be open with boundaries. You don’t have to disclose everything but sharing that you prioritize your mental well-being sets the tone for a healthier culture.
5. Celebrate the small wins. On the days it’s hard just to show up, remember survival is success. Thriving isn’t always loud; sometimes, it looks like quiet consistency.

The Takeaway:

• You can lead and be healing. You can inspire and still need support. You can thrive, even in the hard seasons.
• Leadership isn’t about never falling — it’s about how you rise, again and again, with compassion for yourself and courage for others.
• Your story — messy, real, and resilient — might be the exact light someone else needs.