Open Sourcing Mental Illness

Freeman recalled a conversation with an entrepreneur who wanted to help other people in a similar situation but didn’t feel comfortable disclosing his struggles.

“[He] told me that he would really like to help other entrepreneurs but can’t because his company is going to be acquired or it’s going to be public within the next 12 months,” Freeman said. “He’s afraid that being associated with those issues could adversely impact the acquisition or the IPO.”

This seems to be indicative of a broader trend. Because while Silicon Valley appears to be an open-minded mecca, it’s not always a welcoming place for people to honestly discuss their mental health. Startups are encouraged to only let on that they’re “crushing it,” and founders in the throes of running a company are pressured to put on a good face for investors and employees.