Dealing With Depression In A Leadership Role

Dealing with depression while trying to be a strong, reliable leader can feel like a daily battle. You show up to work, you wear a confident smile, and you make the tough calls—because that’s what your team needs, right?

But inside, you feel like you’re barely holding it together. You’re the one people lean on, the one who sets the tone, the one who stays positive and keeps the team motivated. But when you’re dealing with depression, keeping up that image gets… well, exhausting.

If you’re reading this, maybe you know the feeling all too well. The days when just getting out of bed feels like a victory. The way every task—big or small—feels like pushing a boulder uphill. How even the smallest setbacks can make you feel defeated, like you’re failing the people who depend on you.

And yet, you keep showing up because, as a leader, it feels like you have to. People are looking to you for answers, for guidance, for support. But when you’re struggling yourself, how do you keep giving to others without burning out?

You might think, “I’m supposed to be the strong one, the steady one. How can I admit that I’m struggling? Won’t people see it as a weakness?”

Spoiler alert: you’re not alone, and this isn’t a weakness. A lot of leaders go through it—dealing with depression while trying to keep everything running smoothly. And it’s hard. Really hard. Depression can make even the easiest parts of leadership, like decision-making or offering encouragement, feel like monumental tasks. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about what it’s really like to lead while dealing with depression. We’ll dig into why leaders often find it hard to admit they’re struggling, why depression hits leaders particularly hard, and how you can find ways to cope without feeling like you’re letting your team—or yourself—down.

Because the truth is, being a leader doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up as you are, even when it’s tough. And yes, even leaders deserve support, compassion, and grace.

So if you’re tired of feeling like you have to hide what you’re going through, if you’re ready to find ways to keep leading without sacrificing yourself, keep reading. This is for you.

How Come Leaders Are More Prone to Depression?

So, why is it that dealing with depression seems to hit harder once you’re in a leadership role? You were fine before you got promoted. You never struggled with this when you were part of the team. But here’s the thing: leadership comes with a unique set of pressures that most regular roles just don’t have. And, unfortunately, those pressures can really mess with your mental health over time. 

First off, let’s talk about responsibility. As a leader, you’re not only responsible for your own work—you’re responsible for the success of the whole team. If things go south, the weight often falls on you, no matter the cause.

Imagine you have a big project deadline, and someone on your team makes a mistake that sets everyone back. Who’s the one staying up at night, stressing about it? You. It’s that feeling of being “on” all the time, even when you’re technically off the clock, that really adds up.

Then there’s isolation. Yes, leadership can be lonely. When you’re a regular employee, you have your work friends, people you can vent to about the boss or share frustrations with. But once you’re the boss? Well, that changes.

Suddenly, there are boundaries. People don’t open up to you the same way, and you can’t exactly complain about the stresses of leadership to your team. This seclusion can lead to feelings of loneliness, which is a common trigger for depression. 

And let’s not forget expectations. As a leader, you’re expected to be the strong one, the one who has all the answers. You’re supposed to be positive, resilient, and motivated—all the time. But honestly, that’s just not human.

It’s exhausting trying to live up to this “superhuman” standard. Over time, that pressure to keep up the image can lead to burnout, which is closely linked to depression.

Leaders often experience “imposter syndrome,“ where they doubt their own abilities and feel like they’re constantly on the edge of being “found out.” This constant self-doubt can drain you emotionally, making you more vulnerable to depression.

So yes, dealing with depression as a leader is different, and it’s more common than you might think. The responsibilities, the isolation, and the expectations are all factors that can wear down even the strongest people.

The key takeaway here? If you’re struggling with depression as a leader, it doesn’t mean you’re weak or bad at your job. It means you’re human—and being human in a high-pressure role comes with real mental health challenges. 

How to Lead Your Team When Dealing With Depression

Dealing with depression while trying to lead others isn’t easy. You’re trying to make good decisions, support your team, and keep everyone motivated, all while feeling like you’re running on empty.

So, how do you lead well when you’re struggling yourself? There are ways to manage both.

Be Kind to Yourself First

One of the hardest things about dealing with depression as a leader is that little voice in your head telling you that you’re not doing enough. You might feel guilty for not being as hands-on as you usually are, or you might worry that your team can sense something’s off.

But here’s the truth: you’re human, not a machine. Depression happens, and it doesn’t make you any less of a leader. Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling without beating yourself up for it.

Start small—on tough days, remind yourself that showing up is an accomplishment. Some days, just being there for your team is enough. When you’re kind to yourself, it’s easier to stay calm and make clearer decisions, even when things feel overwhelming.

Prioritize Communication (Without Oversharing)

You don’t need to tell your team all about your struggles with depression, but keeping lines of communication open can help.

If you’re feeling low on energy or less available, try to give your team a heads-up without going into too much detail. You might say something like, “I’m dealing with some personal challenges so I may need to take a step back from a few tasks. I trust you all to handle things, and I’m here if you need guidance.”

It helps set expectations and gives your team a little context. They won’t feel left in the dark, and you won’t feel like you’re pretending to be okay when you’re not.

Plus, showing a little vulnerability can actually build trust—your team will appreciate that you’re honest with them, even if you’re not sharing every detail.

Delegate and Trust Your Team

When you’re dealing with depression, your energy and focus might not be at 100%. And that’s okay. Lean on your team. Delegate tasks that don’t need your direct attention, and trust your team to handle them.

This can be tough, especially if you’re used to having a hand in everything, but delegation can be a strong tool for managing your workload during hard times. Give them the guidance they need, then step back.

Not only does this give you space to focus on high-priority tasks (and your own well-being), but it also empowers your team to grow and show their skills. It’s a win-win.

Seek Support, Professionally and Personally

You might feel like you need to be the strong one for everyone else, but remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Find people who can support you—a therapist, a mentor, or a trusted friend.

Talking to somebody who understands can help you work through what you’re dealing with, give you perspective, and maybe even offer advice specific to leaders dealing with depression. It can also help to connect with other leaders.

You’d be surprised how many have been through similar struggles. Many companies have leadership groups or networks where you can talk openly. Just knowing you’re not alone in this can be a huge relief and remind you that what you’re going through is more common than you think.

You Can Lead While Dealing With Depression

Dealing with depression as a leader is challenging, but it doesn’t have to define you—or your leadership. You might feel like you’re not showing up as your best self right now, and that’s okay. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, supporting your team, and being real.

By taking steps to handle your mental health, setting boundaries, leaning on your team, and finding support, you can lead effectively while still honoring what you need.

It’s okay to take things one step at a time, one day at a time. Just keep going, and know that you’re doing the best you can. And sometimes, that’s exactly what your team needs.