Silent Struggles: Dubai's Entrepreneurial Odyssey
Hey there, fellow entrepreneurs! As a Co-Founder and Managing Director of a media startup in Dubai, I've seen firsthand how tough it can be to keep our heads above water in this fast-paced world. But here's the thing we don't talk about enough: mental health.
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Yep, mental health. It's not just about being happy or sad; it's about how we feel inside, especially when things get tough. And let's face it, running a startup is tough! The pressure, the stress, and the constant hustle can take a toll on our minds and bodies.
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But here's the kicker: we don't have to suffer in silence. We can break the taboo and start talking about mental health openly and honestly. Why? Because it's important, that's why!
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1.???????? We're Not Superheroes: Contrary to popular belief, entrepreneurs aren't superheroes. We're regular people with hopes, dreams, and fears. Admitting that we struggle sometimes doesn't make us weak; it makes us human.
2.???????? Ignoring the Issue Won't Make It Go Away: You know that saying, "out of sight, out of mind"? Well, it doesn't apply here. Ignoring mental health issues won't make them disappear; it'll only make them worse. Trust me, I've been there.
3.???????? Strength in Numbers: When we open up about our struggles, we permit others to do the same. It's like a domino effect of support and understanding. Together, we can create a community where it's okay not to be okay.
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So, how can we start the conversation and support each other's mental health?
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A.?? Talk About It: Simple as that. Start the conversation with your team, your friends, or even just yourself. The more we talk, the less scary it becomes.
B.??? Take Care of Yourself: You can't pour from an empty cup, right? So, make sure to prioritize your well-being. Take breaks, go for walks, do whatever makes you feel good.
C.?? Reach Out for Help: There's no shame in asking for help when needed. Whether it's talking to a friend, a therapist, or a support group, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
D.?? Support Each Other: Be there for your fellow entrepreneurs. Listen without judgment, offer a shoulder to lean on, and remind each other that you're not alone in this journey.
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Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health in Dubai's startup world and create a community where everyone feels supported, understood, and valued.
So, what do you say? Let's start the conversation. Share your thoughts and experiences with mental health in the comments below. Remember, we're in this together!
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Take care,
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Youssef Boulos
Senior Creative Producer at Booking.com ?? Strategic expert leading high-impact scaled campaigns through innovative content solutions 20+ Years ?? | Author ?? | 94/195 ??? | Girl Dad
11 个月During my years producing video content in Dubai, with increasingly demanding and erratic high-profile networks and clients, the utter lack of any work/life balance was unfortunate. Terms like "burnout" weren't a thing a few years ago, and the absolute expectation was that the insane demands, bending over backward, and stressful pivots were what we signed up for by entering the industry. I didn't think I had a choice, I had to carry on, had to keep showing up and working through what would have been a burnout if I'd thought it was allowed, supported or tolerated by my workplace. However, what I know now is that I didn't have the proper tools to identify the signs either, things that weren't being talked about or championed at the time like putting up barriers between work and life, saying no, disconnecting properly, and asking more questions. In an industry that is changing faster than ever, I sincerely hope that all young professionals entering the video production industry take the time to develop these tools, stand up for their mental health, and ensure they have the strength to survive in what can also be one of the most rewarding fields. After all, we get to tell stories for a living. How cool is that?