The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which is a standard government system for classifying businesses, indicates that there are at least 1.5 million medium and large corporations in addition to just under 45,000 enterprises in the USA. Within each, is an average executive count of up to eight (medium) and 17 or more (large + enterprise) individuals. These individuals are responsible for overseeing various departments and functions. While there are advantages to holding these positions when compared to non-executive roles, such as higher relative income, enhanced retirement plans, and stock options (et cetera) they also carry great burdens, including those placed upon their mental health. Each month, there are thousands of online searches occurring for “executive mental health” and semantically related terms. Among those searching for this information, are human resource personnel, top-level business leaders, and executives themselves who are seeking insight into the various psychological struggles faced by being placed at or near the top of the corporate hierarchy. As one of America’s support providers for corporate entities, namely those in industries marked by mental health complexities, Kindbridge Behavioral Health has this insight. Read ahead for an overview of executives and mental health issues along with the unhealthy coping mechanisms many turn to, concluding with a call to action that will lead to healthier and more productive leadership.
Overview of Mental Health Issues and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms Corporate Executives Must be Mindful Of
A. Common Executive Mental Health Issues
i) Burnout
It’s referenced often in the mainstream in regard to elite athletes (view more) but burnout is also common among leaders in corporate environments of all types. In the context of the latter, burnout is a syndrome that is generally the result of continual and compounding demands that come with being a high level executive. Some of the common signs and symptoms that you or your leadership staff may experience include (but are not exclusive to) chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, cognitive impairment, irritability, a compromised immune system, moodiness, and a loss of interest in work / company goals. Harvard Business Review reports that more than 50% of business managers experience burnout, while another recent survey indicates that 82% of senior leaders, and 71% of CEOs specifically, experience burnout.
ii) Anxiety
Executives deal with all sorts of anxiety, including fear over the stability of their position even when there is no rational cause for alarm (a form of anticipatory anxiety). The symptoms are essentially the same as they are with executive burnout, but also feature escape behaviors and a deep-seeded worry that bad things will happen if one stops worrying, which is extremely problematic when one recognizes a need to stave-off those same negative feelings. FORBES reports that anxiety has spiked significantly over recent years, with 27% of surveyed executives reporting symptoms of an anxiety disorder.
iii) Depression
Executives deal with various types of depression. A breakdown of the types, degrees, and respective symptoms can be referenced right here. While all symptoms can compromise executive productivity and how they relate to their staff, low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and helplessness can reverberate across an entire corporate hierarchy. And of course, most importantly of all, depression without intervention can lead to dire consequences for the individual. The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology indicates that 26% of executives report symptoms consistent with clinical depression, compared to 18% in the general workforce.
iv) Chronic Stress
Stress is defined as a natural physical, mental, and emotional reaction to pressure from a difficult situation or demand – scenarios that are ever-present in the executive role. The signs and symptoms are vast (view here) as is the data regarding how many corporate leaders experience chronic levels of it and how it appears to be escalating with uncertain economic times. An often-cited survey from 2025 finds that 67% of executives reported feeling more stressed than the previous year. Meanwhile, LinkedIn reports that 45% of execs admit that chronic stress impacts their decision-making.
B. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms for Executives
The above executive mental health issues are certainly not the only ones corporate leaders contend with. For instance, there is some research suggesting a higher prevalence of ADHD among C-level executives. Of further note, is that there are behavioral health issues with higher prevalence rates among executives when compared against the general workforce, which while can exist on their own, may also be tied to the above-detailed mental health issues as unhealthy coping mechanisms. When used as coping mechanisms for negative feelings and emotions, unhealthy habits can be formed which can aggravate and elevate the associated symptoms of the mental health issues. Ones to be particularly mindful of include those described below.
i) Substance Abuse to Cope with Leadership Mental Health Issues
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that more than 12% of those in managerial or executive positions use illicit drugs. Psychology Today reports that somewhere between 9% and 13% of C-level executives have problems with alcohol overuse.
ii) Gambling to Cope with Leadership Mental Health Issues
While specific data on corporate executives is limited, research indicates that higher-income individuals are more likely to gamble. Additional studies have found that professionals with management responsibility are more likely to gamble than those without management responsibility.
iii) Pornography to Cope with Leadership Mental Health Issues
There are no specific statistics on pornography addiction rates just for executives, but general data indicates high rates of pornography viewing at work, with recent data indicating that 70% of visits occur during business hours. Corporate executives are not exempt from the issue, and through their higher positions they may be better able to hide it and subvert blocking protocols via their potential access to network content filters. Further, given that pornography consumption is a common unhealthy coping mechanism for anxiety, stress, and depression (all of which are elevated within execs) there is a call to be more mindful of how one choses to incorporate it into their daily/weekly routine.
iv) Sexual Exploits to Cope with Leadership Mental Health Issues
Multiple studies indicate that infidelity rates are higher in executives, particularly among men, when compared against the general workforce. One 2025 study found that 37% of top management admitted to affairs, compared to 9% of those not in leadership roles. While many suggest that factors such as power, entitlement, and constant travel may contribute to this trend, the relationship may be more complex. Yes, infidelity as an unhealthy sexual exploit can absolutely be a choice. However, it’s important to note that it may also be linked to anxiety, stress, and depression, which are comorbid with hyper-sexuality disorders and sexual dysfunctions. Those who may seek to escape the rigors of executive life through unhealthy sexual endeavors are asked to be more mindful.
C. Healthy Coping Strategies for Executives
Considering all of the above, it becomes clear that executive mental health needs to be a top priority, whether you’re reading this from the perspective of an HR manager, corporate business owner, or as an executive concerned about your own wellbeing. Below are healthy coping strategies to reference the next time negative feelings and emotions manifest.
i) Deep Breathing Techniques
Breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing can stimulate the release of the brain’s feel good hormone – dopamine – and help reset the brain in a positive direction. Here are the general directions, written as an executive may read it:
- Sit or lie-down in a comfortable space and close your eyes.
- Place one hand on your chest and the other hand on your abdomen.
- Inhale through your nose for approximately 4-seconds as you feel your abdomen expand.
- Hold your breath for 2-seconds, then exhale slowly and steadily through your mouth for about 6-seconds.
- Repeat the process from anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes. Your mind and body will let you know when you have calmed down sufficiently to move on to the next step.
ii) Mindful Meditation
In the context of managing executive mental health issues, mindful meditation is a clinician-guided practice that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment, often through techniques such as sensation observation and deep-breathing exercises. A counselor will help train one’s attention so that they become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations as the urge to focus on negative feelings and emotions arise. It takes time to become adept at mindful meditation, especially when triggers to worry infiltrate an individual in their corporate space. But when working closely with a counselor, an individual will develop the skills to overcome.
iii) Counseling for Executive Mental Health Issues
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors to promote a healthier state of mind and body. As one (among other) primary forms of treatment for burnout, anxiety, stress, and depression at Kindbridge Behavioral Health, CBT has demonstrated both short-term and long-term positive effects for executive clients. CBT (and other forms of therapy) can be effectively administered via virtual (online and by-phone) private one-on-one sessions or group counseling, as preferred. Reach out via the contacts provided below to take proactive action and explore options.
Building Healthier and More Effective Leaders
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