Psychedelic Retreats for Founders' Mental Health
From Burnout to Breakthrough
Entrepreneurs’ Health Matters – How Psychedelic Retreats Change the Game
Those who have been on their entrepreneurial journey know it: being a founder can be a rewarding journey, but it can also be a challenging one. From managing finances to growing a team, the stress and pressure of running a business can take a toll on mental health. The prevalence of burnout, anxiety, and depression are staggeringly high among entrepreneurs and founders (see the results of a study by the University of California San Francisco here, where three-quarters of entrepreneurs reported mental health problems). For example, a recent survey conducted by the polling organization Opinium and the Centre for Economic and Business Research found out that 92 percent of entrepreneurs (small business owners) have struggled with mental health issues over the past two years.
However, there is growing evidence to suggest that psychedelic experiences can provide support for mental health issues faced by entrepreneurs.
Psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing purposes (see our article on the history of psychedelics). Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in these substances for their potential therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that psychedelic experiences can have positive effects on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD.
Psychedelic retreat programs can offer a safe and supportive environment for personal growth, increased self-awareness, and enhanced creativity. Serious and professional programs use psychedelics, such as psilocybin, in a legal, safe, and guided setting.
5 ways a psychedelic retreat program can help entrepreneurs, freelancers & startup founders
We believe there are a number of ways in which psychedelic retreat programs can help entrepreneurs and founders prevent or better deal with the dangers of burnout and other stress-related mental health challenges:
1. Get a fresh perspective on your Self and business
In their daily grind, entrepreneurs and founders often get stuck in their own ways of thinking. A profound psychedelic experience in a safe and professionally supported setting can provide a fresh perspective and help break free from old patterns. Participants can gain a new understanding of their business, their goals, and their personal values and can (re-)connect with their deeper purpose. This can lead to a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment in their work, reducing the risk of burnout. As the famous psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl said: “Those who have a why can bear any how” [italics added].
2. Make peace with the past so that you can focus on the present
Psychedelic retreat programs that offer excellent facilitation as well as dedicated preparation and integration before and after the psychedelic experience, can help you accept, embrace, and eventually overcome unresolved emotional wounds from your past. In states of radical honesty and deep emotional connection to themselves, people can let old baggage behind and get “unstuck”. Reintegrate the past, so that you can be fully present in the now again. Needless to say, that this can lead to improved mental wellbeing and increased resilience to future challenges.
3. Increase your self-awareness
Oftentimes, we stagnate in our growth or hit a glass ceiling in our effectiveness because we lack essential insights about our own Selves. Usually, we gain these insights from deep and regular introspection as well as from daily “reality-checks” (e.g. you think you are an empathic leader but your employees or a coach gives you the feedback that you are emotionally distant and cold). Professionally-supported and intentional psychedelic retreat experiences can help participants gain insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and, above all, blind spots. Overcoming cognitive biases and fostering more collaborative and open-minded thinking are key to personal growth. Being more aware of your human constitution, your shadowy and brilliant sides, is not only a wonderful gift you can make for yourself, but also to all the people around you in your life: they will thank you for it.
4. Enhance your creativity
Psychedelics can help users break free from established patterns of thinking, allowing for fresh perspectives on complex problems. In a study by Harman et al. (1966), participants were given LSD and reported significant improvements in problem-solving abilities related to their professional work, which could be highly relevant for entrepreneurs facing complex challenges. Interestingly, the results of the study also suggested that the effects of their increased creative ability may be sustained several weeks after the psychedelic experience.
In a similar way, the ability of divergent thinking – to generate multiple solutions to a problem – is crucial for entrepreneurs in ideation and problem-solving. A study from 2018 found that even the micro-doses use of psilocybin led to increased divergent thinking in participants.
Moreover, psychedelics have been shown to lead to lasting increases in the personality trait of openness increase (MacLean et al. (2011)). Few things are more important for an organization’s success than their leaders’ nuanced yet open mind to new ideas and innovations.
5. Build community
Running your company can be isolating. Founders often report that they are left alone with their problems and have no one to talk to – because they feel they need to show invulnerability, and it’s always them who need to make the final decision. Well-curated psychedelic retreat programs that carefully handpick their participants can help build communities for life. Participants can connect on a very deep level with like-minded individuals and build a support network that extends far beyond the retreat.
The setting is crucial for reaping the benefits
It is important to note that psychedelic experiences should only be undertaken under the guidance of trained professionals in a safe and supportive environment. There are risks associated with psychedelic use, particularly for individuals with a history of mental health issues. However, with proper preparation and guidance, psychedelics can be a powerful tool for supporting the mental health of entrepreneurs and startup founders.
If you’re considering a psychedelic retreat program, here are some tips for choosing the right one:
- Research the program and facilitators to ensure they are reputable and experienced.
- Consider the type of psychedelic used and make sure it is legal and safe.
- Make sure the program offers a safe and supportive environment for the retreat experience and integration.
In conclusion, the mental health of entrepreneurs, freelancers and startup founders, is a significant concern. Psychedelic experiences in a safe and legal setting can provide support for mental health issues faced by entrepreneurial minds, helping them to gain a new perspective on their work, overcome fear and self-doubt, enhance creativity and problem-solving skills, and ultimately achieve greater fulfillment and success in their endeavors. However, it is important to approach psychedelic use with caution and under the guidance of trained professionals.
Please bear in mind that we do not provide medical advise and you should always seek assistance from a medical professional before making any decision about consuming psychedelics.
Patrick Liebl,
Lead Facilitator & Integration Expert
Is the Retreat program right for your personal growth journey?
We invite you to schedule a call with us. Together, we can explore any questions or concerns you may have. We can explore whether this program is right for you at this time and ensure you feel confident about and ready to embrace this transformative experience.
“We are here to support your exploration, at your pace, with no expectations.” – Patrick Liebl