Almost everyone in modern societies knows that when you build a certain amount of wealth, you should grow those riches by putting them to work, raking in passive income in the long term. How do you do that? Well, you invest them in securities and hope the market goes your way. This process is essential in giving individuals financial security, maintaining their purchasing power in the face of inflation, and protecting them against the rising cost of living. Thus, nowadays, it should not get looked at as something optional. Yet, as a mandatory practice aimed at creating stability for the common folk.

As with everything else in life, this activity also brings about specific levels of uncertainty attached to it. Those, paired with the notion that it involves money, make it a high-stress one for those making trades daily or for people risking their hard-earn savings by betting them on business entities via securities. It is vital to note that markets can become highly volatile quickly and out of nowhere. And that can make investors’ anxiety skyrocket to a point where they fear reaching their long-haul goals and seeing their retirement as threatened. That can induce various strains on the body, such as difficulty focusing, sleeplessness, decreased energy, memory struggles, increased intake of alcohol/food, and more.

Without question, in today’s financial market, high stress is not only threatening portfolios. It is also depleting investors’ most crucial resource, their brain power. Moreover, various psychological research points to the fact that heightened nervousness can cause one’s attention to narrow, become overreactive, and cloud judgment. Per a University of Texas study, the more tension people feel, the more inclined they are to see patterns that do not exist, proving that there are apt reasons why most brokers believe their mental health is either of concern or poor. And almost every investment professional will tell you that stigma is the term they would use to describe how this sector has made mental health an off-limits topic.

That should come as no surprise given the competitive nature ruling this field, but ignoring psychological uneasiness never leads to well-being. Candidness about mental health is crucial in any sphere, especially in an anxiety-driven one like investment, where it should rank as paramount.

FAQ

What is the connection between mental health and investments?

It is dramatic, as investigations show that when people are more patient, they invest and save more. Furthermore, when they are calm and beaming with self-esteem, their decisiveness and confidence are high, and they have lower risk aversion, making them more likely to go for higher-return deals.

How does the stigma around mental health affect men in the investment industry?

Drastically. For example, in the UK, most financial/investment professionals work more than the weekly recommended guidance. They also do not get enough sleep per week, all because taking time off gets regarded as shameful in this field and a sign of weakness. That stems from the belief that switching off from work is counterproductive in an area where hyper-attentiveness matters a lot.

What are some signs of mental health issues in the investment industry?

They include severe mood swings, a substantial drop in motivation, excessive worrying or fear, prolonged feelings of irritability, and avoiding social activities to focus on work.

How can the investment industry address mental health issues among men?

Investing has always been a rapidly changing sector, with new asset classes popping up ever-so-often and the economic climate continuously shifting. Individuals working in it having to deal with these changes has contributed to many working longer hours. Thankfully, mental health support availability has improved recently, primarily through various programs and on-the-job free counseling.

What resources are available for men in the investment industry struggling with mental health issues?

Many higher-end financial firms now have implemented mental health services and resources into their wellness programs. One such example is Capital Innovations, which has built an employee assistance program, and allowed its personnel to get free counselor sessions (up to twenty annually) and access to a 24/7 mental health service that is confidential.

The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in the Investment World

Incontestably, the professional investment landscape boasts a high-stakes culture that creates a super strenuous environment that often leads to or magnifies the psychological hardships it produces. Any culture where professionals must be on standby 24/7 via market or client demands will undoubtedly hurt the mind. There is no getting around that. The irony is that brokers and portfolio managers deal with risk every day. Yet, they often do not factor in the hazards of missing a good night’s sleep.

It is also hard to stop working in a professional lifestyle where experiencing mountains of pressure gets seen as getting put to the test. And there is a fear concerning complaining about it or seeking help, which may get construed as a failure to meet on-the-job demands or failing at assigned tasks.

According to California-based clinical psychologist and consultant Joy Lere, finance workers should not wait until they get broken to seek help, as therapy is proactive and not reactive. And Coach for Financial Advisors and Behavioral Finance Consultant Rachel Wolitzky states that reconnecting with meaningful religious and spiritual practices can substantially enhance mental and physical wellness. So, these avenues should get considered alongside therapy and common-sense approaches like eating healthier, meditating, and getting enough sleep.

In Wall Street, banker burn-out is an established phrase to describe investment bank employees falling prey to the pressure of the job, notorious long hours, no days off (except bank holidays), the ever-looming possibility of making a big mistake, and the constant demand to perform while knowing that a misstep can and will have seismic monetary consequences. Hence, it should not shock anyone that individuals working in this area believe they need to maintain an outer shell that they are always calm and never let on about the inner angst they are experiencing.

Mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety endanger the future of the investment sphere if those who populate remain ashamed about admitting their struggles. They do not understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Additionally, and extra beneficially, it is a move that may inspire others to pursue treatment and cause a ripple effect within a company or a small work ecosystem.

Men and Mental Health in the Investment World

The reality is that most men will struggle with mental health problems at some point, with a UK Priority poll showing that 77% of male Brits admit to dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. But 40% have never spoken about it to anyone, and 29% are too embarrassed to discuss this subject matter since they think these issues carry a negative stigma.