What is Depression?

Depression is a persistent mental illness characterized by a low mood.

Other symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of exhaustion
• Loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed
• Sleeping too much or sleeping irregularly
• Irritability
• Body aches or brain fog

Depression causes people to isolate themselves from their friends and family, and it can modify brain activity. It’s challenging to live with depression when you’re a personal trainer business owner because you are responsible for your income.

If you started your own personal training business, a lot of that responsibility falls on you. If you’re feeling hopeless or helpless, it’s tough to make moves to be productive, which is why it’s essential to know how to manage your depression when running your own PT business. Whether you work as a personal trainer and are wanting to grow your PT business or in another field, you don’t want to fall into a slump and end up losing your business.

Potential obstacles when it comes to PT business ownership and mental health

When you work for yourself, you make your schedule. There’s no one holding you accountable, which can be an obstacle because it allows you to “fail” at work. You might find yourself canceling appointments or avoiding scheduling clients because of your symptoms.

It’s important to set boundaries with yourself so that you will remain productive. Set yourself a schedule where you work particular hours, and even if you’re not feeling the greatest, finding ways to compartmentalize your feelings during work is essential. You can acknowledge that you’re feeling down but continue to work despite the thoughts in your head that are upsetting you.

Validate your feelings and use a coping skill such as distraction or self-compassion. Your work might even serve as a healthy distraction for you once you’re there, so resist the urge not to show up. 

Hiding your feelings

It can be tempting to cover up depression and pretend like it’s not there. You might feel like it’s easier to act like it doesn’t exist. It’s so painful, and that makes sense. But acknowledging your feelings and moving through them is more productive because then, you can process them, work through them, and be successful in your personal training business. Especially in a field where people expect you to be energetic and strong, it can be hard to face things like depression, but it is worth it. 

Crumbling under pressure

When you repress your feelings and don’t acknowledge that you’re dealing with depression, it’s a vicious cycle and slippery slope. You’ll eventually crumble under that pressure because what you’re holding off on will catch up with you ultimately; it’s like that in business, and it’s also like that with mental health.

Self-employed personal trainers can face a ton of pressure; you have to deal with taxes, consultations, 1-1 personal training sessions, custom meal plans, cancellations, etc – which can all cause stress and negatively impact your business.

It can be tough for anyone, but it’s especially difficult if you’re struggling with mental health. Acknowledging that you are depressed is a strength; once you recognize it, you can get the help that you need and learn coping skills so that you don’t have to crumble under the pressure of presenting like you’re okay when you’re not. 

Depression management as a personal trainer business owner

One excellent way to manage your depression is to seek the help of a therapist. Whether you work with someone online or in your local area, you can find someone who works for your needs.

You don’t have to do this alone, and that’s why it’s essential, to be honest with yourself and know that you can find an online counselor or local therapist by searching for “counseling near me” who can support you during hard times. Depression is highly treatable, and people who have small or large PT businesses deal with it. You’re not alone, and you can be successful in managing your symptoms with the help of mental health professionals.  

About The Author

Marie Miguel has been writing for BetterHelp.com with an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.