The Executive Mind: Psychology and Mental Health for Business Owners 1
2026.02.05
The Loneliness of the Executive: Why Mental Health Care is a Business Necessity
Hello, I am Tatsuya Arakawa, a licensed mental health therapist.
Being a business owner or executive is a role that grants great freedom, but it also carries immeasurable responsibility. Constantly being forced to make decisions—ranging from the trivial to the monumental—is more taxing than many can imagine. Furthermore, in many cases, there are matters that simply cannot be discussed with anyone, leading to a profound sense of isolation. In fact, based on my experiences working for many executives, I can say with certainty that I have yet to meet one who does not experience loneliness.
This article is for those who are struggling with it.
Loneliness and Mental Health
Loneliness is an incredibly painful sensation. At a fundamental level, the human brain has not changed much since ancient times. Just as early humans lived in groups to survive, modern humans require connections with others to remain physically and mentally healthy. The old cliché, "No man is an island," is an absolute truth.
Furthermore, humans specifically need family and friends with whom they can be their authentic selves. However, if you are surrounded only by relationships based on "profit and loss" or strategic calculations, human interaction itself begins to feel like work. Unfortunately, many business owners find themselves primarily in these types of transactional relationships.
As a result, their sense of loneliness deepens.
This isolation can lead to a significant decline in mental health, potentially resulting in clinical diagnoses such as depression or anxiety disorders.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Many executives—especially those with a strong sense of responsibility—have a powerful awareness that they are supporting the company, their employees, their families, and the families of those employees. Consequently, they tend to put their own needs last. This neglect is often clearly reflected in their mental health care.
In most cases, people only realize they need care after the impact on their work and life has become overwhelming—such as being unable to focus on work at all or suffering from sleep disorders due to crippling anxiety. However, just as you receive an annual physical or go for a massage, the ideal approach is to receive regular mental health care. By engaging in consistent care, you can prevent issues from escalating to the point where they interfere with your work and cause significant trouble for your employees and stakeholders.
I hope this information provides you with helpful insight.
Tatsuya Arakawa, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 82425)