I have witnessed a significant increase in burn out, depression and extreme stress in entrepreneurs. The long hours and constant demands of building a business can take a heavy toll.

The Cost Of Depression

Unfortunately, the effects of the business owner being depressed and burned out trickle down -- to staff, suppliers and business partners, to name a few. The suffering can also extend beyond the business into the lives of the entrepreneurs family and friends.

Symptoms Of Burned Out Or Depressed Entrepreneurs

I have to say that I am not a therapist -- these are observations I made as a result of my personal experience with some of my clients. When an entrepreneur is depressed or feeling burned out you might look for the following symptoms:

• erratic behavior;
• inappropriate anger;
• difficulty making decisions;
• confusion, frustration;
• not opening mail;
• finding it difficult to get out of bed;
• not returning phone calls;
• unintelligible mutterings or monosyllables;
• self-absorbed;
• having no interest in doing things that were once enjoyed;
• not keeping appointments or failing to follow through on commitments.

Do not get me wrong. Any one of these symptoms could appear in anyone feeling depressed or burned out. It is when you see many of these behaviors that there is need to worry.

Positive Steps

If you are a friend or relative of an entrepreneur suffering from depression -- the best thing you can do is to listen, be supportive and suggest that he/she see a Doctor. The family physician is a lot less intimidating. Plus, the Doctor can rule out any other possible physical reasons at the root of the depressed mood. The physician can also connect them with treatment, support and a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

You might feel angry. Get mad if you must, but then, get over it. Keep reminding yourself that the person is ill, and not responsible for his or her many failings.

Entrepreneurs who are depressed and burned out may need professional help. The good news is depression is very treatable. If you or someone you know is depressed, seek the counsel of your family physician, psychologist or psychiatrist. If you want more information on this subject check out Depression.com click here.