Why Highly Successful People are Prone to Depression

“It was October 2014 when I lost all hope. I was one of the world’s most successful athletes, 18 gold medals, the all-American dream come true. But I was lost. I hadn’t left my room in five days. I questioned whether I wanted to be alive anymore.”

If these words sound familiar, it’s probably because you’ve heard them in a TV commercial featuring Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. Phelps is an incredibly successful athlete; he retired after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio as the most decorated Olympian in history. His fame has brought him worldwide name recognition and a net worth of more than $60 million — all by the age of 33. He seemed to have everything going for him. Yet, achieving first place or being at the very top does not always guarantee happiness or fulfillment, and for some, reaching such heights can even lead to a psychological fall or setback.

So why wasn’t he happy? How could he even consider taking his own life?

Those are the same questions people asked after the tragic suicides of entrepreneur Kate Spade, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, and a string of high-profile billionaire CEOs. For most of these individuals, the answer was simple: they suffered from debilitating depression. Many high achievers, including entrepreneurs and celebrities, have also struggled with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, which can sometimes overlap with the very traits that drive them to succeed. However, that answer ultimately led to even more questions. After reaching success, things change—routines shift, priorities are altered, and some begin to feel detached from their former selves and the simple things in life. The loss of everyday moments, like sitting down for dinner with family, brings texture to life, and these are often lost in the relentless pursuit of success.

The Paradox of Success and Depression

Success can feel like reaching the summit of a very tall mountain—great view, thin air. Many high-achievers discover that the climb leaves them light-headed in more ways than one. Externals—titles, bonuses, applause—look fantastic on LinkedIn, yet they don’t insulate anyone from the inner drag of depression or the 3 a.m. “What if I blow this?” spiral. Researchers estimate that depression and anxiety siphon 12 billion work-days and roughly US $1 trillion in productivity every year, proof that even the global economy feels the mood swings.

Add in the branding pressure of being “always on,” the fear of dropping from “top-performer” to “tomorrow’s headline,” and the identity tug-of-war between who I am and who the market thinks I should be, and it’s no wonder the corner office can feel more like a glass cage. The good news: success and mental health don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Noticing the mismatch—and talking about it—opens the door to healthier definitions of winning.

How Common Is Depression Among High Achievers?

The hard numbers cut through the myth that money or status inoculate against mental illness. A landmark survey of entrepreneurs found that 49 % reported a lifetime mental-health condition, with depression ranking No. 1 on the list. In the corporate suite, the story sounds familiar: a 2024 Businessolver survey showed 55 % of CEOs acknowledged struggling with mental-health challenges in the past year, a sharp jump from just twelve months prior.

What drives those statistics? Relentless workload, public scrutiny, and the “lonely-at-the-top” effect all play a part. High achievers also lean on personality traits—perfectionism, extreme autonomy, risk-taking—that propel success but double as risk factors for mood disorders. When those traits go unchecked, burnout and depression slip through the back door.

The takeaway: achievement is not an insurance policy against depression. Recognizing the prevalence normalizes the conversation and paves the way for evidence-based support—therapy, peer networks, better workplace policies—that let leaders keep the view without losing their footing.

What causes depression?

Depression and other mental health conditions can affect anyone. No gender, ethnicity, age range, family status, or income level is immune. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 322 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

“Chemical imbalance” is a widely accepted explanation of what causes depression. While that’s fundamentally true, the facts are much more complicated. “To be sure, chemicals are involved in this process,” says Harvard Medical School in a June 2019 post, “but it is not a simple matter of one chemical being too low and another too high. There are millions, even billions, of chemical reactions that make up the dynamic system that is responsible for your mood, perceptions, and how you experience life.”

People with a family history of mental health conditions may be at a higher risk for developing depression because of their genetic backgrounds. They are also more prone to depression due to growing up around people struggling with it. Stressful life events, early losses or trauma, medical problems, and even certain medications can trigger the onset of depression. Often it’s a combination of these factors. Additionally, working in certain industries or having a high-pressure job can contribute to the development of depression, as the culture and environment of an industry or the demands of a specific job may impact mental health and resilience.

Recognizing depression is crucial so it can be properly treated, and seeking professional help is an important step toward recovery.

High-profile depression

Some experts speculate that high-powered business executives and entrepreneurs may be more susceptible to depression than others. A 2015 research study by UC Berkeleyf) found that 72% of entrepreneurs reported mental health concerns, and 49% reported having one or more lifetime mental health conditions — results that were significantly higher than the non-entrepreneurs comparison group. Another study found that CEOs may be depressed at more than double the rate of the public at large.

Executives, business owners, and those in the public eye such as celebrities and athletes always face a perceived pressure to perform. There’s also the perception — and sometimes reality — of constant competition and failure doesn’t seem to be an option. Grueling hours, constant criticism from others, including strangers, and a loss of the identity you once possessed can open the door to mental health conditions such as depression.

Certain qualities, such as resilience, determination, and creativity, often drive these individuals to success but can also increase their vulnerability to depression. Open mindedness, a trait common among successful entrepreneurs, enables them to adapt, innovate, and thrive, but it can also make them more aware of their own struggles and challenges. The power crowd—those highly successful and influential individuals—are often proactive in outlining goals and taking ownership of their mental health journey, seeking therapy or support as part of their personal development.

Even though some athletes, celebrities, and executives seem to possess superhuman power, they’re as vulnerable as the rest of us when it comes to genetics, childhood loss, and medical conditions. Their depression may stem from a family history of mental health issues, the early death of a parent, or an undiagnosed thyroid imbalance. When a famous person such as Michael Phelps admits to suffering from depression, it highlights the importance of admitting personal struggles as a crucial step toward understanding and recovery. It shouldn’t be — and usually can’t be — up to the public to figure out the reasons why.

Why Mental Health Matters When You Aim High

Hitting quarterly targets, shipping the big product, or seeing your name on a “40 Under 40” list feels terrific—until the adrenaline fades and the 2 a.m. doubts march in. Peak performance taxes the same brain you rely on to keep performing, and that brain needs maintenance just as urgently as the company jet.

Treating mental health as “optional self-care” is a losing strategy. It’s actually a core KPI—your mood regulates focus, decision-making, and creativity. Cultivating meta-awareness (the habit of noticing your own thoughts and early warning signs) lets you down-shift before burnout torches the engine. Think of it as checking the dashboard instead of waiting for smoke to pour from the hood.

Smart Strategies the Super-Successful Use to Stay Balanced

Set goals for your mind, not just your metrics. A seasoned therapist can help you map mental-health objectives—sleep consistency, self-compassion, anxiety reduction—the same way you map revenue growth. High achievers who work on these “soft” targets often find their “hard” targets get easier. hbr.org

Build recovery into the calendar. Exercise, meditation apps, a standing dinner with friends—whatever recharges you—deserve prime-time slots, not leftover crumbs at the end of a 14-hour day. Protect them the way you’d protect a board meeting.

Curate your circle. Surround yourself with advisors and peers who normalize therapy, call out perfectionism creep, and celebrate wins that aren’t tied to net profit—like taking a real vacation.

Remember: depression is treatable, not a character flaw. The moment you frame help-seeking as a competitive advantage, the stigma shrinks. Many marquee names credit therapy, medication, or support groups with giving them back their edge—and their weekends. Prioritizing mental health doesn’t dilute success; it future-proofs it.

Suicide is not the only outcome of Depression

Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain struggled with depression to the degree that ultimately led to their deaths at their own hands. However, suicide is never a necessary outcome for someone suffering from depression. Reaching out for help from a mental health professional like the Therapy Group of DC therapists in Washington is always the best path to seek for anyone with depression symptoms, which can include:

• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Pessimism and hopelessness
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in things once pleasurable
• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings

Even highly successful people can feel stuck or unable to move forward after reaching their goals, which can contribute to depression and a sense of stagnation.

Famous, powerful, and connected people may feel that they’re too busy to stop for a moment to talk to a professional, or perhaps they believe that admitting they’re vulnerable to a mental health condition is a sign of weakness. However, more and more people are looking to psychotherapy for treatment and helping them cope with the symptoms of depression. Outlining goals early in the therapeutic process can be crucial for facilitating recovery and tracking progress. Developing meta awareness and focus during therapy can help individuals better understand their emotions, redirect their attention away from negative thoughts, and concentrate on constructive activities. The stigma of seeking assistance is dissipating. If you would like to talk about your stressful lifestyle or personal struggles with a licensed counselor, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Turning points in recovery often come when individuals realize the need for change or experience significant life events, such as starting a new job, which can greatly impact mental health and a sense of fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why Successful People Are Depressed

Why are so many successful people prone to clinical depression?

Many highly successful people experience clinical depression due to a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental pressures, and the unique challenges they face in their careers and personal lives. Traits such as novelty seeking, strong drive, and risk-taking, while beneficial for success, can also overlap with symptoms of mental illness, making them more vulnerable. Additionally, the type of job or work environment can significantly influence mental health and the risk of depression, as certain roles may either align with or challenge an individual’s strengths and coping abilities.

How does the pressure of elitist big jumps upwards impact mental health?

Elitist big jumps upwards—rapid rises in status or wealth—can lead to feelings of detachment from former selves and a loss of self-worth. This disconnect can cause successful individuals to struggle with their identity, leading to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

What role does meta awareness play in managing depression among the super successful?

Developing meta awareness—the ability to observe and understand one’s own thoughts and emotions—helps highly successful people identify early signs of depression and manage their mental health more effectively. Learning to develop meta awareness is a key skill for recognizing and managing mental health challenges, as it enables individuals to identify old traumas, recognize behavioral patterns, and tailor effective strategies for recovery. This self-awareness supports better problem-solving and emotional regulation.

Are mental health issues more common in the super successful compared to the average person?

Research indicates that mental health issues, including depression, may be more prevalent among the super successful than the general public. The combination of high expectations, constant competition, and the stress of maintaining success contributes to this increased risk. The drive for uber success can both heighten vulnerability to mental health challenges and foster the resilience and determination needed to manage them.

How can successful people redefine what success means to improve their mental health?

Redefining success beyond wealth and status to include personal fulfillment, joy in simple things, and meaningful relationships can help alleviate the mental health burden. Embracing this broader perspective encourages balance and reduces the pressure that often leads to depression.