When you’re running a business in Summit County, the questions come fast:Â
- Are we making money?Â
- Can we handle the summer rush?Â
- Will we survive another shoulder season?Â
But there are other questions that keep you up at 3 AM, staring at the ceiling – Am I cut out for this? What if I’m letting everyone down?
Studies have found that 75% of business owners are concerned about their mental health. The unique pressures of entrepreneurship can take a toll far beyond what shows up in your quarterly reports.
This isn’t another article telling you to “just relax.” You’re reading this because you recognize that your mental health directly impacts your business success and your ability to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of mountain business life.Â
The good news? Understanding these challenges is the first step toward addressing them effectively.
Business Owners Face Unique Mental Health Challenges in Summit County
Running a business anywhere has its stresses, but Summit County adds layers that most entrepreneurship guides don’t cover. You’re managing not just a business, but a business in one of the most beautiful – and sometimes challenging – areas in Colorado.
There’s the weight of responsibility that comes with entrepreneurship. You’re not just responsible for your livelihood. You’re responsible for your employees’ paychecks, their families’ well-being, and keeping up a business that serves our community.Â
When your restaurant is where locals celebrate anniversaries, or your gear shop equips families for their first backcountry adventure, the pressure to keep going can feel overwhelming.
When Finances Fluctuate
Financial stress in Summit County carries its own flavor. Your business might crush it during peak ski season, only to face three months of shoulder season uncertainty. Add seasonal staffing challenges and the fact that a bad snow year or warm spell can derail your forecast – and you have a recipe for chronic stress.
The statistics show entrepreneurs are significantly more likely to experience mental health issues than the general population.Â
Nearly half of all business owners report experiencing at least one mental health condition, compared to about one-third of non-entrepreneurs. 80% of small business owners report experiencing symptoms of poor mental health at least a few times a year.
But here’s what the statistics don’t capture: the specific challenges of running a business in a place where your customers come to escape their own stress.Â
This can put you at odds with the persona you try to project as a successful entrepreneur – always in control, confident, and handling everything with ease.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Mental health challenges don’t announce themselves with a grand entrance. They creep in quietly, often disguised as “just being tired” or “having a lot on your plate.”
Watch for these common symptoms:
- Disrupted sleep patterns (lying awake thinking about cash flow at 2 AM)
- Difficulty focusing during important meetings
- Increased anxiety about routine business decisions
- Avoiding networking events or Chamber events you used to enjoy
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues
The tricky part is that these symptoms often get worse during our busiest seasons, when you can least afford to slow down. You might think, “I’ll deal with this after ski season,” or “Once summer peak ends, I’ll take care of myself.”
But mental health doesn’t wait for convenient scheduling.
Daily Practices To Help Boost Your Mental Health
The good news is that there are ways you can start to consistently boost your mental health, even during busy times. Here are a few daily practices you can incorporate into your routine starting now:
1. Set real boundaries
When you work where others vacation, it’s easy to feel like you should always be “on.” But even resort communities have rhythms. Use them. Take your days off when the mountain’s closed, or claim early mornings before the world wakes up.
2. Move your body
You live in one of the most beautiful places in Colorado – use it. A quick hike up Frisco Bay Trail or a late afternoon bike ride can reset your entire day. Movement isn’t just physical therapy; it’s mental therapy.
3. Build routine anchors
When every day feels different in the service industry, create small consistencies. Maybe it’s coffee at the same spot every Tuesday morning, or checking in with your bookkeeper the same day each week.
4. Create your support network
The Chamber isn’t just for networking – it’s for connecting with people who understand your specific challenges. Other Summit County business owners get it when you say “mud season” and they know exactly what that means for cash flow.
5. Plan for the predictable chaos
Yes, you can’t predict when the last chairlift will close for the season, but you can prepare for seasonal fluctuations. Build shoulder season budgets, create staffing contingency plans, and establish lines of credit before you need them.
6. Delegate what you can afford to delegate
If bookkeeping is the task that keeps you up at night, maybe it’s worth finding someone else to handle it. Your time anxiety-spiraling over QuickBooks might be better spent focusing on what you do best.
Professional Support
Despite the high rates of mental health concerns among business owners, 44% have never accessed mental health support. Many don’t know where to start or think they can’t afford it.
Summit County has mental health professionals who understand the unique pressures of mountain business life. Many offer flexible scheduling for the realities of retail and hospitality work. Online therapy options have also made professional support more accessible than ever.
Building Your Support Network Through the Chamber
The Summit County Chamber isn’t just about business cards and mixer appetizers. It’s about connection with people who understand the unique challenge of running a business in a place where everyone else comes to relax.
We’re proud to offer business-specifc Chamber resources to help boost your mental wellness:
- Networking events that reduce the isolation of entrepreneurship
- Professional development workshops that can include stress management and business strategy
- Mentorship connections with other business owners who’ve navigated similar challenges
- Access to local business resources and referrals, such as our healthcare directory online
Consider starting or joining a business owner support group through the Chamber. Sometimes the best mental health support comes from someone who’s been where you are.
Take Action For YOU Today
Mental health challenges are not a sign of weakness – they’re a sign you’re human, carrying significant responsibility in a demanding environment. Seeking help is actually a smart business decision.
Your next steps:
- Take an honest inventory of how you’re doing (not how your business is doing)
- Identify one small change you can implement this week
- Connect with other Chamber members who might be experiencing similar challenges
- Consider speaking with a mental health professional
- Remember that investing in your mental health is investing in your business’s long-term success
The Summit County business community is stronger when its business owners are thriving personally, not just professionally. You don’t have to choose between business success and mental wellness – in fact, they’re often deeply connected.
Your business serves this community. But first, you need to take care of the person running it.
Join The Summit County Chamber of Commerce Today!
