Depression has remained a challenging phenomenon in various entrepreneurial processes in Africa and has, therefore, become the main area of concern upon which thorough research needs to be conducted. Depression has hindered most entrepreneurs from Africa executing and running various businesses. Among the common cause of depression in Africa is the fear of failure. Most business start-ups frequently fail in their first trials. The costs, as well as risks associated with business failure, has become one of the main causes of depression among entrepreneurs in Africa. It is worth recognizing that depression is associated with adverse economic effects especially on both small-to-large enterprises in Africa

The main objectives of the study are geared towards investigating the importance of focusing on depression in entrepreneurship; the impact of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa; various techniques that entrepreneurs can use in coping up with depression in Africa and the Western world; economic and health implications of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa; consequences of depression on small-to-medium enterprises in Africa; dominance and co-occurrence of depression among entrepreneurs in Africa; the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship; the relationship between depression and gender in Africa; how entrepreneurs struggle with depression in Africa and reasons why Africa needs to start focusing on the neglected issues of depression.

This research has adopted the usage of mixed-method approaches to help in summarizing evidence on the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. The study has further conducted a review of published articles to help in an effective understanding of the closest relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. Moreover, the paper has gone the extra mile to undertake in-depth research on the internet from recognized sources to help in obtaining the best approaches to overcoming the challenges associated with depression in Africa.

After a thorough examination of the findings on this study, this paper has presented various recommendations that may help in coming up with a better solution for solving daily mental health problems like depression that most entrepreneurs undergo in Africa.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

Venturing into entrepreneurship is very challenging, and, therefore, it has become a common routine seeing most startup businesses fail. Robins and Beer (2015) argued that about 85% of startup companies fail to make it off the grounds. Most entrepreneurs find themselves subjected to depression more frequently than any other individual. Just like many other persons undergoing routines depression, most entrepreneurs find themselves in the same state without knowing that they have it. The majority of problems related to depression could be associated with the entrepreneurs’ nature as well as their geographical locations. Moreover, the inherent characteristics of entrepreneurs can be another triggering feature that might increase their risks for depression. Having a comprehensive knowledge of this phenomenon, depression, can be very vital in knowing where to get assistance.

Robins and Beer (2015) further argued that due to the dominance of depression in the African society as well as its extensive implications, enhancing mental health, depression, has become one of the main challenges of the time. Approximately over one-third of African entrepreneurs can be associated with certain kinds of depression at a given point, and the number is growing, with depression issues predicted to be behind heart attack as the second leading illness by 2030. For instance, depression has been established as one of the substantial cause of unemployment in Africa and is, therefore, one of the main factors hindering economic growth in the continent. As can be seen from this example, the cost and consequences of depression seem to be significant.

While depression puts a substantial burden on the healthcare system of Africa as well as the economy, the associated cost is greatly felt by persons who suffer from the same or loved ones. Persons with depression not only undergo reduced direct psychological well-being but also experience indirect consequences through the adverse impacts of depression in their relationships, careers, and opportunities for growth in various aspects of a business.

By considering depression in the context of entrepreneurship in Africa, this paper places more weight on the link between the two. For one, what is considered as dysfunctional and functional concerning behaviors and characteristics of humans is broadly a contextual matter; this can be portrayed in the person-environment. The person-environment fit literature holds that individuals get attracted to a working environment that has values, work cultures, requirements as well as demands that fit their own needs, personalities, and skills. For instance, Kyaga et al. (2015) argued that it is a common notion, backed by evidence, that some extreme depression may be functional in the context of creative professions. Most persons who excel in arts happen to express signs of depressions and may register underperformance in case they selected a dissimilar career.

Furthermore, entrepreneurs have a wide scope of crafting their jobs to match their idiosyncratic abilities and needs (Robins & Beer, 2015). Entrepreneurs could craft their work environments as well as work task to match their preferences and personal needs in a manner that might not be easy in ordinary employments. This is of more significance for persons whose preference and needs register substantial deviation from norms, like for individuals who suffer depression. For instance, individuals undergoing extreme depression may be compelled to work remotely from home, which may not be easy to contain by most employers (Van Rensburg, 2010). In this case, therefore, entrepreneurship can be the best option over traditional employments for persons with certain levels of disorders.

The main focus of this paper is to investigate the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. Moreover, the paper will discuss various methodologies for undertaking the investigation of depression in entrepreneurship. Finally, the paper will discuss the results, limitations of the study, recommendations as well as providing concluding comments.

1.1.Background of the Study

Depression has many implications for mental health. The model of Job-Demand-Control shows how job control and job demand influence depression. Entrepreneurship is mostly linked to high demands for a job. Still, since entrepreneurs are attributed to high job control, such demands may not result in high depression (Kyaga et al., 2015). It, therefore, means that over the long run, entrepreneurs may experience minimal depression, hence helping to mitigate the onset of other associated disorders or otherwise make entrepreneurs resilient to depression-related mental disorders. There is mixed evidence concerning whether an entrepreneur experiences more or less depression than employees or minimal signs of depression (Kyaga et al., 2015). For instance, it pans out in Africa that depression is higher for most entrepreneurs, especially after gaining entrance into self-employment than before, as shown by amplified usage of hypnotic/sedative medication.

Moreover, in the case of individuals with depression, entrepreneurship provides people with substantial latitude that enable them to craft their activities in a manner that match and satisfy their special and unique needs (Shimer, 2012). In fact, due to their greater job flexibility and control, entrepreneurship most often provides individuals with depression an opportunity to major on their strengths while trying to balance on their weaknesses hence raising the relative value of entrepreneurship for such persons.

Furthermore, the cost opportunity of forgoing paid employments might be lower for individuals with depression since they might find that their needs are poorly adapted to such jobs, which further raises the relative value of entrepreneurship. Considering the same logic, individuals with depression in Africa have higher possibilities of opting for entrepreneurship by initiating unincorporated businesses. Prottas and Thompson (2016), however, claimed that there exist some doubts concerning the type of relationship between depression and selection into entrepreneurship. For instance, a majority of African countries possess some kind of collective bargaining in a way that salary associated with paid employment is not portraying the productivity of the worker. In contrast, rewards are directly proportional to the performance of an individual in the case of entrepreneurship. It is for this reason that lower performers might be attracted to paid employment in the African labor markets, while higher performers may be attracted to entrepreneurship (Robins & Beer, 2015). While entrepreneurship can be viewed as a choice for many, mental disorders such as depression might influence an individual into entrepreneurship, especially when such conditions happen to be a global phenomenon.

1.2.Statement of the Problem

While it might be promising to investigate the impact of depression on entrepreneurship, understanding the ways in which entrepreneurship influences depression is also paramount. For example, some processes of entrepreneurship might result in positive emotions (Kyaga et al., 2015). Hence, most entrepreneurs gain passion concerning certain aspects associated with entrepreneurial activities, leading to useful emotional experience. For instance, taking part in certain entrepreneurial behaviors like new product development or creation of a new business network can be viewed as a way of triggering positive emotions and that certain entrepreneurial actions may result in passion as opposed to entrepreneurial processes being promoted by passion. Positive emotion that is produced by involvement in entrepreneurial activities might play a role in diminishing symptoms of depression (Saunders et al., 2009). There is, therefore, a need for conducting extensive research to establish how entrepreneurship can produce positive emotions, especially for individuals with depression and how positive emotions can help in minimizing the effects of depression.

Lack of a vivid understanding of the various effects of the depression on entrepreneurial activities in Africa can be attributed to poor entrepreneurial culture on the continent (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). When entrepreneurs lack an understanding of causes of depression as well as their associated effects on the outcome of business operations, then they may tend to invest resources in activities that might not yield positive results, hence resulting in poor business outcomes. Addressing this problem will lead to an overall effect of boosting entrepreneurial processes in Africa and lead to a better comprehension of the prevalent problem.

While the research conducted on this topic tries to address various aspects that are associated with the effects of depression on entrepreneurial processes in Africa, certain issues have remained unaddressed hence leading to a research gap on the same. For instance, the research fails to address the positive implication of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa. Moreover, there exists insufficient coverage concerning the future adoption of various entrepreneurial models that can help in handling various mental related disorders such as depression.

Studies on this particular topic should take care of the trends to help in determining feature expectations in the context of depression and entrepreneurship. Moreover, a research gap also presents as the study fails to address some of the impacts of depression on entrepreneurial processes. Also, the research fails to explain the various techniques in which most entrepreneurs in Africa can cope up with depression. Next, the research does not address the economic and health impacts of depression in Africa.

The main aim of this research is to comprehend the experience of many individuals concerning the impact of depression on entrepreneurial processes in Africa and to make them understand the roles played by the entrepreneurs in mitigating risks associated with depression. The paper will conduct an investigation on the most critical factors concerning the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. The research is undertaken via both quantitative and qualitative methods to help in gaining more understanding concerning how various scholars depict the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship.

The research is undertaken on the basis of various literature reviews concerning the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship as well as the effect of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa. Moreover, the research involved undertaking an in-depth investigation concerning various aspects of depression, as well as entrepreneurship, and the data acquired, was contextualized with the existing literature concerning the interplay between entrepreneurship and depression (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). The result of the research will help most individuals to understand various aspects concerning entrepreneurship and depression in Africa and, therefore, the need to make adjustments. The effect of this will help various people to appreciate the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship.

The accomplishment of this study will have a substantial contribution to the knowledge of the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. The findings in the research problems, as well as the subsequent analysis, will result in an overall effect of offering enlightenment to both upcoming and established entrepreneurs in various ways (Schönfeld et al., 2016). For one, people will acquire the necessary knowledge regarding the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship. This can be put under the consideration of the probable application in the context of the entrepreneurial context.

Furthermore, the knowledge gained would be very significant in comprehending the interplay between entrepreneurship and depression in the African continent at large. This can be based on the various role played by entrepreneurs in coping up with depression as well as the influence of depression towards entrepreneurship. The information will, therefore, be vital in understanding the general nature of entrepreneurship in the African landscape.

1.3.Research Questions

Why focus on depression in entrepreneurship?
What is the impact of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa?
What are the various techniques that entrepreneurs can use in coping up with depression in Africa and the Western world?
What are some of the economic and health implications of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa?
What are the consequences of depression on small-to-medium enterprises in African countries?
What is the level of dominance and co-occurrence of depression among entrepreneurs in Africa?
What is the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa?
What is the relationship between depression and gender in Africa?
How do entrepreneurs struggle with depression in Africa?
What are the reasons why Africa needs to start focusing on the neglected issues of depression?

1.4.Objectives and Statement of Problem

To investigate the essence of focusing on depression in entrepreneurship
To investigate the impact of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa.
To investigate various techniques that entrepreneurs can use in coping up with depression in Africa and the Western world.
To investigate the economic and health implications of depression on entrepreneurship in African countries.
To investigate the consequences of depression on small-to-medium enterprises in Africa.
To investigate the dominance and co-occurrence of depression among entrepreneurs in Africa?
To examine the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa?
To investigate the relationship between depression and gender in Africa?
To investigate how entrepreneurs struggle with depression in Africa?
To examine the reasons why Africa needs to start focusing on the neglected issues of depression?

The researcher will focus on accomplishing the above objectives as a way of addressing the research questions. Ultimately, the study will have been successful in solving the main research problem; Research on depression: the unspoken phenomenon on entrepreneurship in African countries

1.7. Scope of the Study

The research was limited to the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. The study was conducted based on a literature review of published books and articles based on the topic. Moreover, a systematic review was conducted to help in gathering sufficient data on the topic. A pilot search was also conducted on various libraries and databases on published articles and books on the subject matter.

The main target of the study was entrepreneurs in Africa who have experienced depression in their entrepreneurial processes. The article reviews proved to be significant in providing useful information concerning the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0. Literature Review

2.0.1. Introduction

The main aim of this chapter is to conduct a literature review on the basis of the provided objectives of the study. The main objectives of the study are geared towards investigating the essence of focusing on depression in entrepreneurship; the impact of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa; various techniques that entrepreneurs can use in coping up with depression in Africa and the Western world; economic and health implications of depression on entrepreneurship in Africa; consequences of depression on small-to-medium enterprises in Africa; dominance and co-occurrence of depression among entrepreneurs in Africa; the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa and the relationship between depression and gender in Africa. The accomplishment of these objectives will be very pivotal in contributing to knowledge in various aspects of depression in the context of entrepreneurship in Africa.

2.0.2. The Need for Focusing on Depression in Entrepreneurship

In Africa, entrepreneurs are recognized as the lifeline between the economy and society. There is a myriad of problems, both natural like droughts and famine and human-made like wars and corruption that are rocking the continent. Entrepreneurs offer job creation and improved economic growth in most African countries (Hsu et al., 2017). Studies show that in most of these countries where the citizens are dealing with conflicts, fragility, and violence, some of these entrepreneurs undergo increased levels of stress, uncertainty, and cognitive resource depletion than the average man (Robins & Beer, 2015). These people, more often than not, suffer depression.

Most African entrepreneurs work in competitive environments, facing an increased degree of uncertainty and risk. It is difficult for them to separate their work and family life, and they end up very irritable and physically drained. Studies show that these entrepreneurs are more prone to stress, loneliness, alienation, and emotional turmoil (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). Such usually evolve to depression, which negatively impacts productivity in the workplace.

Seventy percent of entrepreneurs from Africa experience both emotional and physical stress once a week on a minimal basis. With all the uncertainty in these developing countries, sources of such stresses can stem from a lack of stable sources of income to support the business, inadequate of diversified capital, an improper delegation of opportunities in the business (Kyaga et al., 2015). Recent research into the causes of job-related stress in the entrepreneurship field shows that individuals who are working in their own businesses or family-owned businesses experience an increased number of stress as a result of too much workload, high competition, inadequate time, space and resources, conflicting stakeholder demands, managing the business and assumption of business-related problems like risks, staff, and cash flow (Renko et al., 2012). All these are reasons as to why such a high percentage of business owners are falling under such serious mental health issues. Entrepreneurship can result in depletion of someone’s psychological health, hampering their ability to make informed business decisions or acting accordingly while at work (Robins & Beer, 2015). Depression is among the leading causes of counter-productive behavior in the workplace which usually results in lower sale turnovers over the business’ fiscal year.

Taking the importance of entrepreneurship in small African countries, for example, all these causes of mental illnesses like role conflict and work overload and their ultimate effects into consideration, it is clear to see why depression is a clear threat to most developing countries (OECD, 2012). The uncertainties presented by the external environment like war, traumatic events, and displacements also amplify these psycho-pathological and psycho-emotional outcomes, resulting in stunted business performance for affected entrepreneurs. As such, it is very vital for a study assessing the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship, at least with a bid to curb this problem.

2.0.3. The Impact of depression on entrepreneurship in African Countries

As mentioned above, the high mental and physical stress of the job market can result in depression. This is a perspective that is applicable on a global scale. When centered upon the African continent, other problems are heaped onto such nuances that make entrepreneurship a hard endeavor (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). In African countries, the sustainability of little businesses, firms, and cooperation are impacted by weakened psychological health. The stress brought about by one’s occupation can initially motivate one to work hard and accrue better results for their business, but occupational stress that is frequent, intense, and prolonged stacks can easily lead to a mental breakdown from strain (Njoroge & Gathungu, 2013). It is prudent to mention that positive stress from aspects like goods sales turnover can motivate an entrepreneur to work even harder, while negative stress will lessen the allure of engaging with the business.

In African countries, there are several ways in which depression can affect business and business performance in general (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). The first impact is the obvious depletion of resources that are psychological like innovative ideas, which result in lower performance as the owner’s capacity to deal with job-related stress is hampered, as is their aptitude for performing complex duties and tax that the business is dependent on.

To add to this, depression results in an erosion of the owner’s influence and role model as a leader and motivator. In African countries, the elderly are looked up upon, and those who own businesses are expected to set examples to the young of the society. When depression sets in, the role of being a teacher is taken away from one (Nieman & Neuwenhuizen, 2010). This also seeps into the business itself, negatively impacting the mood and morale of the workers. Communication barriers can be broken, resulting in issues like absenteeism, low performance from the team, and inter-employee conflict.

Depression and anxiety also result in counterproductive behavior in the workplace due to hampered cognitive controls and a reduction of self-regulation capacity (Nieman & Neuwenhuizen, 2010). This ultimately amounts to lower productivity in the business, which directly dictates to lost value and not being productive in the workplace.

2.0.4. Techniques for Coping up with Depression in Africa and the Western World

There are a number of ways in which one can cope with depression after being properly diagnosed by the right channels. This is important if they aim to keep their businesses afloat. The first is keeping things in perspective. The depression epidemic is a sickness that has taken developing countries in a wave (Hamilton, 2000). Only seven percent of people suffering from depression usually make an effort to report their situations to those around them. The process and procedures involved in entrepreneurship make it a very personal journey (Rauch & Frese, 2017). It is usually neighing impossible to severe one’s identity from the business they are trying to, or have established. It is easy to equate the business’ wellbeing to self-wellbeing, and this, in turn, makes people believe that setbacks to their businesses are setbacks to their personal lives. With this belief, depression usually creeps in. Striving to maintain things in perspective is usually the key to beat this (Mbonyane & Ladzani, 2011). Understanding that some blows to one’s business do heal over time can help in battling the setting depression.

Secondly, depression can be curbed by understanding and accepting that as an entrepreneur, odds of success are always stacked against you. A huge number of new business ventures in Africa usually fail on their first try. Those that survive the grueling competition usually turn successful after a long time (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). As an entrepreneur, it is important to note that setbacks to one’s business will always outnumber the successes, and most days of the working week will be full of stress. Understanding this is crucial if one is to form a thick skin for running a business. It is important to keep a level head and learn from the mistake. This aside, when the pressures of running a business pile up, it can become too overwhelming for just one person to handle (Kyaga et al., 2015). Taking it all in good stride while still maintaining a clear mind can help one formulate remedies to the situation that wouldn’t have been formulated if one was severely depressed.

The third and perhaps most crucial of these techniques is not being afraid of getting the required help before and after diagnosis. Finding a good support network is a good thing to fall upon while one is still well off and not huddled with problems of the business. Having people that you can call, be it friends, family, or even business partners, will go a mile in helping cope with mental illness, among which is depression (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). To have people close who are ready to lend a hand or advice will be crucial not only to the success of the business but to the integrity of one’s mind. Understandably, in some communities in Africa, culture and family feuds bare some individuals from having such close groups in their lives. Another problem in Africa is the competition. With the need to make it in life, people are very self-absorbed, making it hard to find a group that is genuinely there to help (Robins & Beer, 2015). In most African countries, asking for help is also seen as weakness, the mere thought of being depressed alone, setting the society against you. Such issues cause people to shoulder their problems alone, not even opening up to family members or their significant other. This mentality has to change if the entrepreneurial community is to be successful. An air of freedom of expression should be cultivated and maintained (John, 2012). Members of the community should feel empowered when getting help, not judged, and shunned.

2.0.5. Consequences of Depression on Small-to-Medium Enterprises in Africa

As already mentioned, mental health and a steel-clad economic outcome are very closely related. The World Health Organization recognize wellbeing as an “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (Rauch & Frese, 2017). It is clear that in a bid to improve the economy of Africa, researchers should venture into the wellbeing and mental health of entrepreneurs.

The consequences of depression on small-to-medium scale enterprises lead to gaps in the world economy. Huge panels do not run these businesses and as such, most of the managerial decisions fall on the owner. Depression can result in stunted decision-making, which ruins business plans and prospects. Furthermore, small businesses are usually the customers of larger companies like retailing or packaging companies that supply products to be refined and sold in these businesses (Robins & Beer, 2015). With a lack of proper mental stability, most businesses in Africa end up failing, thus impacting the bigger businesses. This intern ruins the flow of supply and demand, negatively influencing other smaller businesses that were not affected at first.

2.0.6. Economic and Health Implications of Depression on Entrepreneurship in Africa

In Africa, depression has made people settle for an earning potential that is lower than their competency and skill level. Instead of striving for more, the drive to seek promotions or to expand one’s business is immensely depleted. Depression also results in higher cases of unemployment due to a lack of incentive to create jobs or apply for existing positions (John, 2012). Dropping out of school due to depression also comes into play where unemployment is involved. Higher chances of teenage pregnancies and drug abuse are also attributed to depression. In African countries, a huge number of deaths are attributed to suicides, homicides, and drug overdoses due to depression. An increase in work disability is also caused by depression through absenteeism and presenteeism (Robins & Beer, 2015). Depression is also usually a good prelude to other diseases due to the lack of a need for self-care.

2.0.7. Dominance and Co-Occurrence of Depression among Entrepreneurs in Africa

There exist a significant co-occurrence and prevalence of depression among most entrepreneurs in Africa. Most entrepreneurs registered greater diversity and prevalence of depression at their workplaces. Such entrepreneurs are more likely to indicate having had a lifetime history related to depression (Wiklund et al., 2016). Moreover, a good percentage of the entrepreneurs register a lifetime history related to depression hence making it a hereditary issue in Africa.

Furthermore, symptomatic entrepreneurs also record a substantial number as well as diversities of co-occurring conditions related to mental health such as depression. Rauch and Frese (2017) indicated that 48% of entrepreneurs have depression issues, 33% of the entrepreneurs have depression and other mental health conditions. This finding, therefore, makes the impact of depression within entrepreneurs in Africa to remain an issue to be subjected to further studies.

2.0.8 Relationship between Depression and Entrepreneurship

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5 million individuals in African entrepreneurs suffer from depression. The findings by the World Health Organization depression can be termed as the fourth-highest “cause of burden” of ailments and is speculated to be one of the leading causes by 2030 (World Health Organization, 2001). The study has discovered that most individuals who suffer from depression fail to attend to work and may, therefore, end up being very unproductive on occasions that they go to work hence validating the fact that depression significantly impacts the entrepreneur’s capability to work.

Moreover, estimates from the World Economic Forum show that cost of depression in Africa is about $100 million and is speculated to continue growing (Thurik et al., 2016). Besides, studies have shown that most mental related diseases such as depression are among some of the major hindrances to entrepreneurship in Africa.

Furthermore, depression is both harmful and detrimental to entrepreneurship. Whereas most entrepreneurs work hard towards ensuring that things appear fine on the outside, what may not be visible is the numbness as well as the exhaustion (Shepherd et al., 2016). Further findings from the literature review indicate that depression makes most entrepreneurs feel emotionally and physically drained hence leading to their inability to making informed decisions, sleeping inadequacy hence hindering their motivation towards executing various entrepreneurial processes. The reduction of interest can, therefore, influence their capability of performing on a routine basis.

Rauch and Frese (2017) have indicated that most mission-critical entrepreneurial traits and propensities are as well essential features of depression hence indicating the probability that the condition is common among entrepreneurs in Africa. Some of the traits consist of innovativeness, creativity, attainment of the goal, motivational achievements as well as risk propensities. This implies that such traits that may make one be great entrepreneurs can be associated with challenges related to depression that test the functioning capability of an individual.

2.0.9. Depression and Gender in Africa

Whereas most women in Africa starting to close the gender gap, administrative jobs in the finance and business are dominated by males. Findings from Peterson Institute for International Economics discovered that 61% of the companies they conducted a survey on were missing women on their board while half had no women playing an executive role (Shane et al., 2012). This can be as well evidenced in most business schools, where 40% of MBA degrees are earned by women. The fact that most of the business aspects are dominated by men, males are, therefore, the ones who are strongly affected by depression in Africa. Studies further indicate that there exists gender disparity among individuals suffering from depression in Africa. Rauch and Frese (2017) showed that most factors associated with depression in men come from job insecurity, high demand-low control work as well as work-family imbalances. Besides, men in most industries dominated by males experience higher levels of depression and have therefore higher chances of committing suicide than their counterparts, women.

Furthermore, findings from an article by Prottas and Thompson (2016) show that men don’t easily seek assistance owing to the masculine norms and ideas that encourages stoicism and self-reliance; this, therefore, makes men feel the full effects of depression than women in Africa. It is also worth noting that career and work can be also be embedded deeply into the masculine identities of a man. Males who are viewed as “underperformers” of “fail” at work can succumb to severe mental related health conditions such as depression (Schulze et al., 2007). This can discourage disclosures and help-seeking habits of men concerning suicidal ideations.

3.0.0. Depression and Family History in Africa

Studies have shown that relatives of the first degree asymptomatic entrepreneurs have higher chances of succumbing to depression (Rietveld et al., 2015). Furthermore, most members whose relatives are asymptomatic entrepreneurs have a high likelihood of manifesting more than one condition related to mental health and therefore are more likely to be victimized by depression and anxiety.

Depression affects over 70% of entrepreneurs in Africa including ones with family mental health history as well as personal mental health history among entrepreneurs who are asymptomatic (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). Findings from literature reviews further show that high rates of depression in families have been registered previously in the perspective of high-achieving and creative relative of bipolar probands. Moreover, depression that occurs amidst first-degree family members of entrepreneurs who are asymptomatic can be linked to propensities features that are considered as advantageous as well as adaptive to the entrepreneurs who are asymptomatic without leading to disorders. This therefore clearly shows that there exists a close relationship between depression and the family history in Africa.

3.0.1. Entrepreneurs’ Struggle with Depression

Most entrepreneurs in Africa are recognized as a force in economic innovation, job creation, and growth. They are the ones to identify, assess, and supply needs to particular markets (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). By focusing solely on the business environment, its challenges, and competition, most entrepreneurs usually forget themselves in terms of mental wellbeing as they try to remain relevant in a dynamic ever-changing field that requires strategic measures and skills. Many of the entrepreneurs in Africa are usually likely to suffer mental health issues such as depression twice in the lifetime of their businesses (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). They also have a higher chance of developing disorders such as bipolar disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or falling into drug and substance abuse (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). They are also more likely to develop suicidal thoughts and end up in psychiatric hospitalization.

The World Health Organization (WHO) insists that mental health is the wellbeing that allows people to realize their potentials and dreams and can develop suitable ways to cope with the struggles of daily life and effectively contribute to their communities (Rauch & Frese, 2017). It is not just an absence of mental health challenges. Mental well-being, a recent concept in many a discipline has been the focus of medicine, public health and psychology over recent years in a bid to establish the issues of mental health and their impacts on our daily lives (Rauch & Frese, 2017). As the center of business, the entrepreneur has become the focus of mental health studies by many scientists, economists, and psychologists.

It is crucial to mention that mental disorders such as depression are not only prevalent in entrepreneurship but may actually be the cause of many success stories in the field. Psychiatrists from renowned universities observe that mental health issues might have some positive effects on the lives of entrepreneurs (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). They allow entrepreneurs to excel in their prospective businesses. A good example of this is someone who is under duress of being outdone by competition in their business (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). The stress and anxiety and therefore will offer positive traits such as an interest in the field of work, opening an eye to better opportunities, or a need in speed. But for most entrepreneurs struggling with depression in Africa, the negatives far outweigh the positives (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017).

3.0.2. Reasons Entrepreneurs are Vulnerable to Depression

The skill, experience, want and manpower in Africa allows entrepreneurs to build and manage successful businesses (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). These same traits, however, form a huge chunk of the reasons as to why many business people in these regions fall under mental issues like depression (Rauch & Frese, 2017). These traits that fuel the desires to establish and manage businesses are the same ones that can negatively impact the mental health of many entrepreneurs throughout their lives. From recent studies, it is plausible to conclude that entrepreneurs are at risk of suffering mentally related issues. Business people in this niche have a 51% chance of developing mental health issues while 73% have reported mental health issues. Chances of these are more common in founders of businesses also referred to as entrepreneurs (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). With such high and alarming statistics, there is a need to ask why are many business founders are more likely to experience mental health issues. The answers to this query might be associate with the follows:

3.0.2.0. Social isolation

Social gaps are usually created through alienation between the entrepreneur and those close to them. Not having people to talk or relate with usually results in mental problems in most cases. Business enthusiasts in Africa receive little to no support from their loved ones when they are stepping into the business world. Establishing an entrepreneurial venture usually requires both financial and emotional support (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). When entrepreneurs are opening their businesses, chances of being supported by their friends and families are usually very low (Robins & Beer, 2015). More often than naught, these entrepreneurs are usually forced to channel all their energy and focus on their business at the expense of their own families and friends. This results in social isolation that later harbors mental health issues such as depression.

3.0.2.1. The Fear of Failure and Uncertainty of One’s Business

The fear of failing has been one of the biggest reasons why businesses have fallen over the years. It has also been a huge factor contributing to why many potential entrepreneurs in Africa shy away from being established in the field (Robins & Beer, 2015). Coupling this fear of the unknown and the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with running the business and the competition involved, one can come up with a good reason as to why many entrepreneurs in Africa develop depression in the course of their businesses (Rauch & Frese, 2017). Fear and uncertainty contribute to mental wellbeing in negative ways. The best way to combat this is to venture out and try, get the needed experience to work in a field and establish yourself. Going hand in hand with this is maintaining a positive outlook while running the business.

3.0.2.2. Stress and Strain

The processes involved in establishing businesses in many regions of Africa are usually long, costly, and mentally taxing (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). The formative stage usually requires time and money to make sure the business is well established, relevant, and successful. In this time period, many entrepreneurs usually find themselves juggling their personal lives and their budding businesses (Robins & Beer, 2015). More often than not the pressures of trying to get a business up and going and living life usually mount up into stress (Rauch & Frese, 2017). These lead to overworking, sleepless nights and even a need to skip meals as work and problems pile. This can easily lead to depression especially if the stress is not dealt with early enough.

3.0.2.3. Lack of Resources to Address Issues of Mental Health

As already discussed, many governments across Africa offer little to no support for mental health issues as related to entrepreneurship. Resources allotted to mental health are few and stretched over many needs (Rauch & Frese, 2017). It falls to organizations and firms that usually join hands to fund entrepreneurial ventures to go a step ahead and provide funds and support to issues of mental well-being of business people.

3.0.2.4. Impression Management in the Business Community

Fake outlooks and facades usually allow people to lie to their neighbors that their lives are going accordingly (Robins & Beer, 2015). In the business world, this is a concept used by many. Even when at the edge of great failure. By building a fake outlook, these entrepreneurs are not moved to seek the needed help as they do not want to be deemed failures (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). Traumas from personal experiences and the community are usually a reason for this to happen. It all culminates in insecurity, stress, confusion, and ultimately depression as one sees their business failing.

3.0.2.5. Too Many Expectations in One’s Business

The establishment of new ventures usually ushers in expectations. When these expatiations are not met, entrepreneurs are usually disturbed. The best way to deal with this is to always hope for the best while also preparing for the worst (Kyaga et al., 2015). Keeping an open mind about the eventualities of that will crop up in business is a good way to go. Expecting a little while also being prepared for anything ensures few disappointments in the long run. Setting attainable goals that stack to form one long-term goal also helps reduce the risks of failure which eventually results in depression in Africa (Rauch & Frese, 2017). Having close friends, business partners, or family to confide in can help one keep a leveled head while running the business. To add to this, it is advised to take a holiday once in a while with the aim of mental, spiritual, and physical rejuvenation.

3.0.3. Reasons why Africa needs to Start Focusing on the Neglected Issues of Depression

Mental health issues have always been neglected on most agendas across the globe. With problems such as child and maternal mortality, infectious diseases, dwindling economies, poverty, wars, and global warming, political leaders from Africa and international agencies usually gloss over mental health (Kyaga et al., 2015). This can be attributed to three major factors namely: ignorance about mental health and the adverse effects neglect is causing, stigma against individuals afflicted with mental illnesses, and the misconceptions that those with mental illnesses are beyond being cured. Across the African continent, there is a lack of treatment for mental illnesses such as depression. The treatment gap i.e. the number of people with mental illness not getting any treatment, stands between 76% in countries like South Africa and 90 percent in Nigeria and Ethiopia (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). There are many reasons why governments need to look into mental health and wellbeing. Some of the reasons include:

3.0.3. 0. Human Rights

People afflicted with mental illness such as depression; especially severe mental illness usually find themselves subject to stigma. They are shunned and excluded from their societies and communities. In Africa, shunning and stigma play major roles as to why entrepreneurs do not seek help while depressed (Rauch & Frese, 2017). This extends to patients suffering from bipolar disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia who more often than naught suffer more than just psychological abuse. In Africa where traditional customs and culture are still widely followed depression is held akin to demon possession where an individual is seen to lose his former self (Kyaga et al., 2015). Human rights are abused when people with mental illness are abused like this. It is therefore prudent for governments to venture into providing the necessary resources to combat such issues.

3.0.3. 1. Depression and Poverty

There is a close relationship between wellbeing and poverty. In many low to medium-income countries across Africa, poverty is usually associated with mental health. These include disorders such as depression, somatoform disorders, and anxiety (Kyaga et al., 2015). In Africa, more disorders that manifest in physical symptoms have been recorded. It is also important to state that this relationship between poverty and mental health is cyclical in nature as situations brought by poverty heighten the risk of mental health issues like depression (Robins & Beer, 2015). Through pressures brought about by income and food security, increased illnesses, traumas, and injuries, one’s mental health begin to deteriorate especially if there is no financial support to cushion the blows. In the same respect, living with mental illnesses can result in poverty (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). Without the mental wellbeing needed to make proper decisions, one can easily drift into poverty. Factors like stigma, high healthcare expenditure, and disabilities add to poverty.

3.0.3. 3. A Good Investment

Neglecting issues of mental health and well-being leads to difficulty in attaining Sustainable Development Goals that are related to HIV, poverty, malaria, education, and gender empowerment in Africa (Robins & Beer, 2015). By improving mental health all across Africa, governments can move to unlock the development potential of their countries (Rauch & Frese, 2017). By investing in mental health, economic and social development can be attained with better efficiency. Investments in mental health care improve the economic circumstances of individuals across households that are affected by issues of mental health like depression.

3.0.3. 4. Mental Health is Inseparable from Physical Health

Tuberculosis and HIV and diseases that are chronic and non-communicable like diabetes and hypertension usually exhibit high levels of co-morbidity with mental health issues like depression. Morbidity in this context does not only result in physical issues such as disability but might ultimately lead to mortality (Robins & Beer, 2015). People suffering from mental illnesses like depression in Africa can die thirty years before the general populace because of the infections they suffer from (Kyaga et al., 2015). Depression during maternity also affects the growth and development of unborn babies which may be carried forward in the entrepreneurial life. Besides, in Africa, individuals with mental illnesses like depression are usually more prone to contract infections such as HIV. People with HIV or hypertension have also been found to be at risk of depression as well. As such, treating mental illnesses such as depression can result in better coping for patients suffering from other illnesses and conditions.

3.0.3. 5. Hope for Improvement

Clinical improvements are creating both awareness and hope for mental health and depression throughout Africa (Robins & Beer, 2015). In Africa, a series of randomly established and controlled trials have yielded in compelling proof that interventions garnered towards mental health are turning out to be effective. Such interventions include psychological and pharmacological ventures that have been using non-specialist health personnel and providers in local villages in Africa (Rauch & Frese, 2017). In countries like northern Uganda, scientists have been able to produce results of improvements in depression by using group therapy across selected communities (Kyaga et al., 2015). Counseling groups and interventions known as friendship benches are creating awareness and support for depression in Harare, Zimbabwe. There have been significant leaps in anxiety and depression recorded in both these countries.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0. Research Methodology

3.1. Introduction

This chapter discusses various research methodologies that have been adopted for the study. In establishing the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa, this study has gone extra miles in identifying various sources of data in the literary material to help in coming up with comprehensive data that can be analyzed and synthesized to get the desired results. This incorporates identifying reliable databases from where published journal articles can be obtained to help in gathering sufficient data for the study. Furthermore, this chapter also presents the research design, data collection methods, research procedures as well as various methods of data analysis that the study has adopted.

3.2. Research Design

This study defines research design as the outline for various processes of research (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). It exactly depicts the manner in which the study will be carried out in a technical ground; it describes how the researcher conducted data collection, as well as various research procedures that were undertaken during the process. It also refers to a vividly defined structure upon which the implementation of the research study will be undertaken. This study embraced a descriptive research design, which comprises direct analysis as well as a description of certain phenomena as open as possible from presumptions that are unexplained hence aiming as maximizing intuitive presentations (Miller & Breton‐Miller, 2017). The descriptive research design was helpful as it enabled the researcher to in identification and description of various aspects of the study.

3.3. Data collection method

The research adopted the usage of mixed approaches to help in summarizing evidence on the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. A review of published articles was conducted to help in an effective understanding of the closest relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa (Prottas & Thompson, 2016). Moreover, in-depth research was conducted on the internet from recognized sources to help in obtaining the best approaches to overcoming the challenges associated with depression in Africa.

To further gather comprehensive data on the research topic, the researcher conducted a systematic review of the research topic. A pilot search was then conducted on various libraries and databases on Africa and depression related published articles on the subject matter.

3.4. Research Procedures

The researcher conducted a pilot test on various libraries and databases in Africa. The results that were obtained were then subjected to a comprehensive analysis by the means of statistical program for social sciences (SPSS) to help in establishing the item’s internal consistencies in the independent variables.

Moreover, pilot testing was utilized to perform a test on the validity and reliability of the instrument of the study. The researcher started by asking for permission into various databases and libraries to help in conducting and hence gathering sufficient data concerning depression in Africa. The data that was obtained from the research was then analyzed and the results presented in a tabular format.

3.5. Data Analysis Methods

This research considered data analysis as the process of bringing, structure, order as well as meaning in the vast amount of the collected information in the research. The data that was collected was then subjected to analysis by the use of inferential and descriptive statistics that were offered by the SPSS to produce the necessary percentage and frequencies that were then interpreted to help in providing the best answer to the various research questions.

The inferential analysis comprised of regression and correlation between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. On the other hand, a correlation analysis was utilized to help in determining that there is an aspect of the relationship between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa (Rauch & Frese, 2017). In this study, a regression analysis was then utilized to help in testing the degree of significance of relationships. The various findings that were obtained from the study were then displayed by the means of figures and tables.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0. Results and Findings

4.1. Introduction

The main purpose of this chapter is to display the findings of the research concerning the study topic. This chapter begins by providing an overview of the research findings and finally provides a summary of the chapter. The study was conducted based on the literature review of various published scholarly resources that were present on various libraries as well as databases.

4.2. Overview of Results and Findings

Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in the economy as innovators as well as job creators. It is, however, worth noting that being an entrepreneur has been deemed as a career that is most stressful in Africa. One of the main reasons for this is the risks associated with failure. Studies show that 90% of startup businesses in Africa end up failing in the first attempts (Rietveld et al., 2015). Besides, 94% of most startups also fail to meet their initial projection. For almost every entrepreneur, the company’s success plays a vital role in determining their mental health and therefore happiness. Depression has been identified as one of the leading factors that contribute to the mental well-being of entrepreneurs in Africa (Perry-Smith & Coff, 2011). Most entrepreneurs would perm better when there are happy or feeling well.

Furthermore, most entrepreneurs face high uncertainty levels, extreme working conditions, complexities, responsibilities, long working hours, and pressure than any other salaried employee. Moreover, most entrepreneurs in Africa work find themselves working in environments that are highly unpredictable and are therefore exposed to a wide range of activities that they are not well prepared to handle. It is therefore very significant for an entrepreneur to have a healthy mental condition to help in hand most of the challenges, stressors as well as adversities to achieve their targeted goals to running and managing successful businesses.

The findings on this topic are based on three aspects concerning the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. The aspects upon which the finding revolves include the dominance of depression among entrepreneurs in Africa, the co-occurrence of depression among entrepreneurs, and lastly, vulnerabilities of the first-degree kin of asymptomatic entrepreneurs. The graph in figure 1 presents data from the literature in support of the fact that there is a high prevalence of depression than the ordinary sample comparison. Moreover, figure 3 provides data to support the fact that there exists a high number of co-occurring conditions among entrepreneurs than in the ordinary comparison group. Lastly, figure 4 presents data to support the fact that the relatives of the first-degree asymptomatic entrepreneurs have a high likelihood of having mental health issues like depression than the relatives of first-degree asymptomatic sample comparison.

Figure 1: Respondents that report having mental health condition (depression)

Figure 2: Number of lifetimes co-occurring mental health conditions (depression) among entrepreneurs

Figure 3: the dominance of depression among first-degree kin of asymptomatic entrepreneur

As has been displayed in figure 1, 49% of the entrepreneurs in the study indicated having mental conditions like depression than their counterparts, non-entrepreneurs, which reported only 32% as having issues related to depression. Figure 1, therefore, underscore the fact that there exists a high dominance of depression among entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it is evident from figure 2 that unlike the normal comparison sample, there exists a higher percentage of depression among entrepreneurs in Africa.

There exists evidence of more co-occurring mental health conditions in figure 3 than the comparison sample. Data from figure 3 indicates that the percentage of entrepreneurs who reported two or more co-occurring mental health issues is 32 contrary to 18% that tested three or more co-occurring conditions. Data from figure 3, therefore, supports the fact that there exists a higher percentage of co-occurring mental health conditions among entrepreneurs in Africa.

Figure 4 of the findings present data concerning asymptomatic entrepreneurs. The data underscores the fact that most entrepreneurs who are asymptomatic, that is those who have reported a prior history of depression, have higher possibilities of contracting two or more other mental health condition from their first-degree relatives, hence subjecting them to extreme depression that might be detrimental to their lives as well as their businesses. It can, therefore, be inferred from the data that is presented in figure 4 that first-degree kin of asymptomatic entrepreneurs has higher possibilities of succumbing to mental health conditions.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0. Introduction

This chapter handles conclusion, contribution to research, research limitations as well as recommendations. The findings from the contribution to research will be very pivotal in contributing to knowledge for future studies. Furthermore, the research limitation presented in this topic will form a research gap that will form a basis for conducting further research on the topic in the future.

5.1. Conclusion

Depression has become a common phenomenon among entrepreneurs in Africa and has, therefore, become an area of concern to conduct further research on. It has hindered most entrepreneurs from the successful execution of various business ideas. One of the common causes of depression among most African entrepreneurs is fear of failures. Depression has an adverse economic effect on both small-to-medium enterprises in Africa. Depression has made most people in Africa to settle for an earning potential that is lower than their competency and skill level. Moreover, depression has been termed as one of the leading causes of unemployment due to a lack of incentive to create jobs or apply for existing positions hence resulting in a negative impact on the economy.

However, there are various techniques for coping up with depression. Among the techniques involves understanding and accepting that as an entrepreneur, odds of success are always stacked against you. Moreover, an entrepreneur should always have a good network of individuals with whom they call always share their experience as a way of fusing stress which is the main cause of depression.

Findings from most literature reviews indicate that there exist a significant co-occurrence and prevalence of depression among most entrepreneurs in Africa. This is evidenced where 49% of entrepreneurs from the literature review reported having any mental health conditions, while 32 % indicated having two or more mental health conditions and 18% reported having three or more mental health conditions. Most entrepreneurs registered greater diversity and prevalence of depression at their workplaces. Such entrepreneurs are more likely to indicate having had a lifetime history related to depression.

Moreover, this paper has presented the fact that there exists a close relationship between depression and the history of families among most entrepreneurs in Africa. This paper further asserts that relatives of the first-degree asymptomatic entrepreneurs have higher chances of succumbing to depression. The findings from this study report that 23% of entrepreneurs who have a history of depression registered a high level of depression amongst their first-degree members. Besides, entrepreneurs who are asymptomatic, that is ones who have reported a prior history of depression, have higher possibilities of contracting two or more other mental health condition from their first-degree relatives, hence subjecting them to extreme depression that might be detrimental to their lives as well as their businesses. Besides, most members whose relatives are asymptomatic entrepreneurs have a high likelihood of manifesting more than one condition related to mental health and therefore are more likely to be victimized by depression and anxiety

Furthermore, it worth recognizing that findings from this study are very significant as they help to cast more light on the interplay between depression and entrepreneurship in Africa. The existing findings from this work augment to the dynamically increasing body of knowledge, suggesting that depression among entrepreneurs in Africa, can co-occur with a highly adaptive and advantageous outcome that might be very beneficial to both the society and individuals. Besides, the findings from this study will be very vital in contributing to knowledge for future studies. Furthermore, the research limitation presented in this topic will form a research gap that will form a basis for conducting further research on the topic. Having an in-depth understanding of various vulnerabilities as well as strengths that relate to depression among various entrepreneurs in Africa may be pivotal in boosting the outcome of entrepreneurial processes and the creation of protective measures aimed at enhancing the well-being of entrepreneurs.

Most of the findings from this study have a policy and programmatic implications for executive coaching, business education, human resource manager as well as advocates for mental health. Programs and policies to properly protect and safeguard and care for individuals with mental conditions such as depression should be adopted and hence implemented in various African countries.

5.2. Limitations

Despite the comprehensive nature of this study, there still exist some extra related issues that go beyond the scope of this work and therefore significant for future research. Investors, academicians, and entrepreneurs alike are interested in establishing various predictors of entrepreneurial failure and success (Kato & Wiklund, 2011). Among issues that need further investigation is the relationship between depression and different environmental settings. Furthermore, the study failed to address the interplay between various futures of personality that can be attributed to various successes in entrepreneurship as well as the positive implication of depression on entrepreneurial processes. Based on the significance of entrepreneurial processes in the modern economy, the findings as well as results from this study offer support for a genuine case for further research to help in replicating and addressing issues and questions that have been raised in this paper.

5.3. Recommendation

Based on the findings of this research, there exist certain loopholes that need to be comprehensively addressed in order to create an environmentally friendly setting for entrepreneurial practices in Africa. One of the major areas of concern that needs to be addressed is related to policies. Addressing such areas will help in coming up with a better solution that can help solve daily mental health problems like depression that most entrepreneurs undergo in Africa.

5.3.0. Policy Implication

The findings displayed in this paper indicate that certain implications for business educations, entrepreneurs, executive coaching, health, and microeconomics policies, as well as mental health disorders like depression in Africa, need to be considered. The study recommends the development of a comprehensive program for business and executive coaching by considering the risk associated with mental health as well as success factors.

Various limitations presented in this study lead to numerous questions concerning the identification of modifiable risk factors that are related to suicidality as well as other avoidable negative life effects among most entrepreneurs in Africa. On the contrary, there are various issues that need to be handled concerning how entrepreneurs can develop on their unique capabilities and advantages related to their family and personal mental health conditions. Having a comprehensive comprehension of the advantage factors as well as risk factors can be very essential and relevant for incubators, school programs, and accelerators that are mandated with the responsibility of training and educating entrepreneurs in their infant stages of careers (Johnson et al., 2018). Incubators and business schools stand a better chance of offering vulnerability resistance and self-awareness resources to upcoming entrepreneurs. Some of these resources should consist of confidential screening for curable mental health conditions and symptoms.

Furthermore, there is a need to augment current curricula that are dedicated to organizational behavior, the human factor as well as entrepreneurship in a manner that can be of significance to business administration students and upcoming entrepreneurs to build and understand their mental vulnerabilities by developing strategies for strength building and risk management

Implementation of the above-mentioned recommendations would have a significant contribution to various aspects of entrepreneurial processes in Africa as well as the well-being of entrepreneurs who might succumb to various consequences of mental related illness such as depression.

5.3.1. Policy and advocacy

From the viewpoint of social, microeconomics, and health policies, the findings presented in this paper indicate that individuals whom we depend on for creating propensity and jobs or one we suppress for being mentally ill may emanate from the dame pool of gene. Empowering individuals with mental health issues as well as understanding vulnerabilities and strengths related to depression among entrepreneurs may play a role of informing social, evolved healthcare and microeconomics policies to augments some sense of value to other people’s lives who mean much for our lives.

This paper recommends the need for the government to develop social values by boosting conditions of symptomatic families whose entrepreneurial relatives have a positive contribution to the economy by generating jobs, solutions, and prosperity. In order to realize an economic and social gain, programs and policies need to be developed to effectively care and secure marginalized individuals with mental health conditions such as depression. Such programs and policies need to be synchronized with other programs and policies that can help in empowering entrepreneurs to enhance the creation of a wealth of notion.

5.3.2. Awareness

Studies reveal that most companies and organizations in Africa fail to involve employees in discussing matters relating to depression in the workplace. There is, therefore, a need to implement strategies at the workplace to help in supporting the mental well-being that is associated with developing solid connections like outside work events.

There is also a need for the government in African countries to offer sufficient education concerning mental conditions like depression to help in curbing notions surrounding depression and to provide adequate information about the dominance of depression as well as indicating the significance of mental conditions like depression for the safety of workplace; this can play a pivotal role of mitigating public stigma and hence encourage most people to seek assistance.

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Acknowledgment

Abstract