Acknowledge the Leader's Humanity

You are a leader, not a robot. I know this seems simple enough but I am guilty of forgetting it. In conventional leadership training, emphasis is made on the leader’s character and behaviour. However, not enough emphasis is made on the leader’s mental health.

You being in a leadership position does not exempt you from mental health struggles. Leaders can be antisocial, asthemic, depressed and even suicidal. Which is why I want to address this aspect of leadership: Acknowledge the Leader’s Humanity.

There are quite a few mental health related issues. Mental health goes far beyond depression and anxiety. However, for now, I will be looking at the ones listed in the previous paragraph.

Antisocial Personality:

It is characterized by a lack of ethical or moral development and an inability to follow approved models of behaviour. Psychopaths and sociopaths are both terms for an antisocial personality. The reality is, antisocial behaviour is not caused by stress or anxiety. But by distorted personality development.

Let me explain, from four years old onwards the primary socialization of children takes place among other children. So let’s say a child, that is high in aggression and disagreeableness, tries to make friends. They won’t be able to mix in with the other kids, and no parent would want an aggressive and disagreeable child playing with their kids.

So from four years old, that child gets stuck with the mindset that every face they meet is an enemy. Those are the ones who grow up to be antisocial. And it doesn’t drop especially amongst boys. Testosterone raises the average level of aggression among men between 16 – 25.

So as a leader, how can be stop being antisocial? Well the answer is, seek professional help. As much as possible do not try to fix this by taking pills. This is a behavioural issue, not a chemical one. Find a mental health professional, like myself, and work with them on developing a healthier behavioural pattern.

Asthemic Personality:

Individuals with asthemic personalities display certain symptoms. They are easily tired, low in energy, lack enthusiasm, have diminished capacity for enjoyment, and are oversensitive to stress. You will notice that some of these symptoms are similar to depression. Which is why I said mental health issues are quite broad.

For time sake, I will not be delving too deep into Asthemic personalities. Therefore, I will only say, if you have these symptoms or you know someone who does bear this in mind. DO NOT TAKE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL! The reason is, the chemicals (toxins) will have a negative reaction in the body.

Depression:

350 billion people around the world suffer from some form of depression. The symptoms vary and are complex. They can last for weeks or months and negatively impact one’s life, work and family. Some key symptoms of depression are: feeling sad, feelings of anxiety, difficulty thinking clearly, increased feelings of anger, unexplained aches, and so on.

We also have bipolar depression which is a psychological condition where a person cycles between depression and mania. Here is an appalling fact: 50% of people who have bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed with clinical depression.

Diagnosis can be difficult. As people with bipolar depression experience mania, depression and stability. Some might also experience both depression and mania at the same time which makes them feel simultaneously energized and sad.

Of course, we have seasonal depression, cyclothymia (rare), postnatal depression, and psychotic depression. Ironically, despite how much is talked about depression. It is still one of the most misdiagnosed illnesses in the world.

I also find it appalling how casually some therapists treat it: They give you pills and send you on your way. If the pills don’t work, they give you some more. Put you through BS tests and counselling, all without addressing the main issue.

You are a leader. Whether in an organization or not, the moment you became a legal adult. You automatically became a leader for those growing up. As such, your mental health is crucial. It is important that you take care of yourself. That puts you in a better position to help someone else.

On September 17, I will be hosting a Leadership Masterclass on the Secrets To Becoming An Inspiration. Seats are limited; send an email to [email protected] with the Subject line Inspiration to book your spot. The fee is $100.

With that said, do let me know if you have any questions. Also please share if you found this valuable.

Have a splendid week.