May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a global reminder that no matter how high we climb or how much we achieve, we all carry unseen burdens. Behind every boardroom decision, startup pitch, or milestone celebration, there’s often a quiet struggle for balance, peace, and mental well-being.
For CXOs, founders, and high-achieving professionals, the mental health conversation is no longer optional—it’s essential. The cost of high performance is real, and the time to talk about it is now.
This article explores the challenges, shares stories from global and Indian contexts, and offers practical strategies for building resilience in leadership. Let’s pause, reflect, and reset—because success should never come at the expense of our well-being.
Mental Health in 2025: A Global and Indian Crisis
Let’s start with the facts. According to the World Health Organization, 970 million people worldwide—1 in 8—live with a mental health disorder. In the United States, over 59 million adults reported experiencing mental illness in 2022. In India, workplace stress is pervasive: a 2016 Economic Times report noted that 46% of Indian professionals suffer from stress-related issues, and newer studies suggest this number has only grown.
Among startup founders, the picture is even starker: a 2023 Forbes report reveals that 72% of founders say entrepreneurship has negatively impacted their mental health, yet only 23% seek professional help.
And then there’s loneliness—a quiet epidemic. A Cigna study found that 61% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, with executives and high-achievers often feeling the most isolated.
These numbers aren’t just statistics. They show up in stories—some heartbreaking, some ongoing, all reminders of the silent toll.
Stories That Speak: The Human Cost in Action
A Cautionary Reminder: Mukul Dev
In May 2025, actor Mukul Dev passed away at 54. While the exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed, close friend Vindoo Dara Singh shared that Mukul had been battling loneliness and depression after the loss of his parents. Reports suggest he withdrew, struggled with health issues, and faced emotional pain.
Mukul’s story, though sensitive and not fully confirmed, serves as a reminder of the silent battles that many, even in the spotlight, fight behind the scenes.
Corporate and Startup Cases: The Unseen Struggles
- Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO, died at 46, reportedly struggling with isolation and substance use.
- Kate Spade, fashion icon, died by suicide at 55 amid long-term depression.
- Jovan Belcher, NFL player, died by suicide at 25, potentially linked to undiagnosed mental health issues.
- Elon Musk has publicly admitted to burnout, exhaustion, and mental strain while leading Tesla and SpaceX.
- Anna Sebastian Perayil, EY India employee, died from stress-related health issues at 26.
- Nikhil Somwanshi, Krutrim AI engineer, allegedly died by suicide after enduring months of workplace harassment.
- Vineet Whig, Britannica India COO, died by suicide in 2016, citing personal distress.
- Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju’s, has openly discussed the PTSD-like toll of building a billion-dollar startup.
These stories reveal a sobering truth: high-pressure roles often come with hidden emotional costs.
The High Cost of Success: What’s at Stake?
- Burnout: Emotional exhaustion is the global epidemic of our time.
- Isolation: Leadership can be a lonely place, often with fewer peers to confide in.
- Mental Health Challenges: Anxiety, depression, and substance use are not rare—they’re often hidden.
- Lost Productivity: Mental health issues cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually.
- Lives Lost: The ultimate cost—lives cut short, families shattered.
Building Resilience: Strategies for Individuals and Organizations
For Leaders and Professionals:
- Check In with Yourself: Reflect daily—what’s driving your stress? What can you let go of?
- Prioritize Connection: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues. Don’t let busyness breed isolation.
- Move Your Body: Regular exercise supports both mental and physical health.
- Set Boundaries: Work is important, but so is rest. Protect your time.
- Seek Support: Therapy, coaching, and peer groups are tools of strength.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Celebrate small wins, forgive setbacks.
For Organizations:
- Normalize Mental Health Conversations: Leaders sharing openly, like Musk and Raveendran, reduce stigma.
- Provide Resources: Offer EAPs, wellness apps, and mental health days.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage boundaries and realistic expectations.
- Foster Belonging: Mentorships, team-building, and buddy systems reduce isolation.
- Train Managers: Equip leaders to recognize and respond to mental health needs with empathy.
A Call to Action: Let’s Make This Month a Starting Point
Mental Health Awareness Month is not just a hashtag or a campaign. It’s an opportunity—a starting point for change.
Let’s commit to checking in—not just on deadlines and targets, but on how we and our teams are really doing. Let’s normalize the question: “How are you, really?” Let’s redefine success—not as relentless hustle, but as sustainable, human-centered growth.
Together, we can build workplaces—and lives—where mental health is a non-negotiable priority. Let’s start today.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. In India, contact the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 1860-266-2345. For global support, reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or local mental health services.
