There are systems today to take care of the business, but unfortunately, the entrepreneur is a little forgotten,”
launches Isabelle Mariaud, psychotherapist and vice-president of the May-D association. The structure provides psychological support to Mayenne entrepreneurs.
We put together a team of peer coaches, all entrepreneurs in various sectors. They have all been trained in psychological first aid,”
explains Stéphane Raimbault, president of the association.
Free, neutral and confidential meetings
Entrepreneurs can benefit from three months of support, based on an individual appointment of one hour, or even one and a half hours, once every two weeks. These meetings are free, neutral and confidential. We can also receive the spouse”,
insists Stéphane Raimbault. And if during or after the support, the entrepreneur needs follow-up with a therapist, May-D offers five sessions with a practitioner approved by the association
», underlines Isabelle Mariaud.
Since the launch in January, around ten leaders have called on May-D. We received as many men as women, with different profiles,”
he continues. Among them, Marie (1), 31 years old. Within the association, I can be transparent about the difficulties I encounter, and the person in front understands them well. This is something that happens a lot as an entrepreneur: being in great difficulty, but having to continually save face, and therefore pretend that everything is fine. In private circles, it's complicated to talk, because one's livelihood may be at stake. I am followed by a former business founder. It does me a lot of good,”
explains the one who was able to speak in complete confidentiality.
Entrepreneurs struggle to ask for help
Managers, association presidents, craftsmen, traders, corporate officers, mayors, independent professionals… May-D supports all entrepreneurs, whether or not their business is in good health. Between 40 and 50 years old, a third of chefs in the Pays de la Loire region plan to quit due to professional burnout, even if their business is doing well.
underline May-D officials. Another observation: Entrepreneurs have difficulty asking for help, due to societal weight based on false representations. Business leaders are seen as superheroes, who would have no right to complain because they would have wealth and power,”
indicates the psychotherapist.
The association intervenes whatever the trigger of the suffering, but we don't take care of the economic aspect. The idea is to allow the person received to unload mentally. Entrepreneurs have enormous resilience. After two or three meetings, they quickly regain their self-confidence. But we must act as soon as possible,”
assures Isabelle Mariaud. The hand is outstretched…
(1) Assumed first name.
More information from May-D, 17, rue de Rastatt in Laval. Such. 07 88 08 50 72, [email protected].
Thursday March 13, 2025, the association will organize a big evening, in partnership with the 60,000 rebounds association, notably around the conference “Is entrepreneurship good for your health? », given by Olivier Torres.
