Hidden struggles of high achievers
The pressure to perform can affect anyone, even top execs
WE have often heard the lament, “It’s lonely at the top.”
According to some studies, entrepreneurs and high-powered business leaders may be more vulnerable to depression.
Some researchers conclude that depression rates among chief executive officers may be higher than those among the general population, mostly due to the demands and stress of leadership positions.
These individuals face higher risks because of the pressure to perform in challenging environments while maintaining a high level of success.
This is a poignant truth about high achievers who, despite reaching the pinnacle of success in their fields, often face unique challenges and feelings of isolation. Why is this so?
Someone recently highlighted to me the potential correlation between high achievers and mental health. After doing some research, I found that if such a correlation exists, it is most likely complex and multifaceted.
While high achievers can often seem to have it all – ambition, career, family and success – the reality may be quite the opposite.
Image is very important for high achievers, who often feel the need to maintain a certain façade. This can lead them to hide behind false fronts, suppress emotions, and feel constant pressure to exceed their own and others’ expectations, which can result in burnout.
Some experts attribute this mental health issue to high-functioning depression, or dysthymia.
The danger of this type of mental health issue is that it may be harder to detect since
high achievers often give the impression that everything is going well, even to themselves.
Looking at them, nothing appears wrong and they wouldn’t want anyone to know that something is amiss.
While this is a mental health issue, many mental health professionals do not recognise it as a formal clinical disorder.
Although high-functioning depression is not a clinical term, it is commonly used to describe people who maintain regular activities like going to work, socialising and taking care of family, while internally dealing with melancholy or anxiety.
They believe they should carry on as usual because they think others will not understand what they are going through.
For these individuals, burying themselves in their work becomes their main diversion. Being productive gives them a
sense of purpose, and this helps alleviate some of their depressive feelings, making the condition harder to detect.
However, health experts caution that there are various emotional, cognitive and behavioural signs to look out for.
It is important to remember that even though someone may appear fine, they may be dealing with a lot internally.
The prevalence of social media doesn’t help. Most people only share their happiest moments
nd and achievements, rarely their challenges or failures.
Social media often presents a kaleidoscopic view of reality, displaying an attractive point of view that may be a distorted reflection of the truth.
Behind the seemingly alluring façade, individuals may be grappling with their own struggles, insecurities, challenges and even broken pieces.
Social media can offer an escape from reality, allowing people to temporarily forget their problems.
However, it can also lead them to avoid expressing their true feelings or struggles. It’s unsurprising that people may take a break from social media from time to time.
Instead of relying on social media, we need to cultivate genuine connections and have face-toface conversations with friends and loved ones. This creates a more authentic and supportive environment for sharing both happy and challenging moments.
As an educationist, I am concerned about our young people, particularly students who are not immune to high-functioning depression or other mental health challenges.
The pressures and expectations of academic success can sometimes exacerbate these issues. Hence, it is crucial for educators, parents, friends and colleagues to recognise the signs to look out for and avoid pushing our young beyond their limits.
We need to impress on them that it is okay to fail occasionally, as these experiences help us grow, understand our weaknesses and embrace ourselves fully.
Some of the signs to be aware of include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities, significant changes in weight or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, loss of concentration and difficulty making decisions.
One of the most concerning signs is thoughts of death or suicide, which requires immediate attention and support.
Pressure is pervasive. It can come from various sources: ourselves, employers, parents, teachers and friends.
While pressure often stems from good intentions, it can become overwhelming when our resilience is low.
We do not need to add more pressure to ourselves to be part of an “in” crowd.
Let us all take the time to recognise that while pressure is inevitable, we should not burden ourselves with excessive stress.
We must face our human frailties and learn to forgive ourselves when we stumble.
In conclusion, I return time and again to this scenario: “If you’re leading in a race and your immediate opponent falls or gets hurt, what would you do? Stop to help or continue on to win?”
I know that stopping to help would mean winning my soul. However, I worry that when it comes to the crunch, I might choose to continue to win the race. May I find guidance in making the right choice.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the group chief executive officer at Sunway Education. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
Those facing problems or mental health issues can reach out to Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or Whatsapp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (Whatsapp 011-1959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (037627 2929) or go to www. befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).