Reflections from Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

# Freelancer Tips

How freelancers are caring for their mental health

Kesha

Last month, to celebrate Men’s Health Month, we dedicated a special space on the forum every week for open, honest conversations about mental health, its effects on freelancing, and how freelancers are finding ways to navigate any challenges.

From embracing true feelings about your current mental state and how you’re managing burnout, to sharing practical advice to their younger selves and opening up about the support systems that help you along the way, the community’s responses were powerful. Here are eight of the most heartfelt, relatable, and helpful reflections from this month:

1. “Some days I feel like a productivity ninja, smashing through all tasks. Other days, I am just staring at the screen, juggling with a red-flag client, thinking, “Can I just cancel this order, forget about the impact, and go out with my wife to touch some grass?”

Then suddenly the 9-to-5 squad shows up in my head like, “Bro, at least you are not glued to one chair for 8 hours.” And weirdly enough, that little picture of the corporate grind helps me realign mentally. So yeah, shoutout to that image -- helping me push through every challenge.”

–rawque

2. “I would tell my younger self several things: Don't think that your first 1-star review is the end of life (there will be more 😁), Sleep well, use a planner, build your schedule and never give 50% discounts.”

–vovkaslovesnyy

3. “Freelancing can be isolating, especially when juggling deadlines and personal life. I’ve learned that even talking to one trusted friend or mentor makes a huge difference. Opening up didn’t come naturally at first, but connecting with others in the freelance or dev community helped me realize I’m not alone.”

–khadijaperve524

4. “The thing that's been stressing me out is the volatility, both with order volume and the USD/GBP exchange rate. It's been busy for me recently on Fiverr, which is obviously a good problem to have, but this means longer hours, I've neglected some personal relationships, and while total earnings are up in USD, I'm ultimately earning less GBP for the hours worked. I'm also wondering how AI is going to change practically everything in the next 2 years, and how I can not only survive it, but also capitalise on it. It's moving so fast!”

“Something that has really helped is talking to other business owners/freelancers. There are half a dozen Fiverr freelancers that I have regular chats with. We share problems/fears/stories, and ideas about how to grow/achieve more. It's been helpful, not just the ideas that come out of it, but just being able to vent/be heard.”

–williambryan392

5. “I don’t have a huge support system, but the encouragement I get from fellow sellers, a satisfied client, or even a kind comment in the forum is enough to keep me going.”

–sadaia77

6. “To prevent burnout, I changed my business model from high volume to high ticket. I also recommend subscribing to Seller Plus Premium and turning 'Request to order' on so you can vet clients. I know it’s 50 bucks and you may have bills to pay, but my friend, a single visit to the psychiatrist can cost double that.

–sunboatrecords

7. “Burnout usually starts showing up as a subtle loss of excitement. I stopped looking forward to projects I’d normally enjoy. I also notice I’m working longer hours but getting less done, which is a big red flag. When I catch it early, I pivot by taking a real break, not just scrolling or switching tasks, but actually stepping away from screens and reconnecting with something offline like nature, books, or even just silence. "

–mebodesign

8. “You have one life and one chance to make the best of it. Don’t waste it by working nonstop. There’s so much more out there.”

“I’ve learned to take time off before I hit a wall. I try to plan a mix of long vacations and quick weekend getaways depending on the season. I also make time for both active days and days where I do absolutely nothing, just relax and reset.

I’ve also built a small list of habits that help me prevent burnout: Go to the gym (even if it's just once or twice a week). Go for walks (short around the block or longer trails). Meet your friends (you never know when you'll lose someone, and you will regret not seeing them more often) Meet your family (same as above). Change into everyday clothes every morning (working in pajamas all day really affects your mindset) Clear your desk regularly (clear desk, clear mind). Listen to music daily (for both energy and relaxation). Take short breaks throughout the day (especially if you work at a desk). Stretch often (yes, it looks silly, but it really helps). Don’t feel guilty for needing rest (you’re only hurting yourself by pushing through)”

–thejamuhh

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared this month. Open and transparent conversations like these are important, and we hope they help you realize that despite the challenges that come with freelancing, you’re not alone. You have a community here that understands, cares, and supports your journey.

Want to read more from the community? Check out the original posts:

How are you really?

How do you notice burnout before it hits and how do you pivot?

Who's in your corner?

What would you tell your younger self?

If you’d like to share more about how you’re feeling mentally or how you’re managing your mental health, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. We're here and listening.

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