What pressures are damaging small business mental health?

Business111.com Podcast Series One – Episode Two Small business stress rarely comes from one dramatic event. It builds slowly, through everyday frictions that pile up.

Late payment is one of the biggest contributors. Waiting for money that’s already been earned affects sleep, confidence and decision-making. Ghosting — where clients disappear after requesting quotes or proposals — adds uncertainty and self-doubt. Many business owners begin to question their value or competence, even when they’ve done nothing wrong.

Competition has intensified. More people are choosing self-employment, while economic pressures have reduced certainty and security. Social media and professional platforms amplify comparison, often showing only success stories and making others feel they’re falling behind. At the same time, traditional safety nets don’t always apply.

Advice designed for employees — “speak to your manager”, “take some time off” — often doesn’t translate to self-employment. That mismatch leaves people feeling unsupported and unseen.

This episode explores how these pressures interact and why they so often affect confidence, motivation and resilience — even in people who are otherwise capable and experienced.

Register at http://www.business111.com for more factsheets By Liz Barclay