Do you feel like you’re one step away from going crazy due to stress?

I'm in my 40's and yes I feel like I'm actually slightly crazy due to the roller coaster. Its a pity. I live in a nice area and lots of things to do but I can't make myself do any of it because I keep feeling like I need to work on my startup... and its been many years. I really need to slow down :)

I'm 100% insane and days away from smoking crack and hiring trannies. I think reading a constant stream of other peoples success also helps drive me nuts.

Fuck this, I'm going to burning man , let the world churn ( and my adoption rate and traction go up , whilst I am away!)

It's definitely normal to feel that way. I've def had my share of ups, downs and moments where I felt like crying in the shower. What's helped me get through the toughest times has been other startup founders who are at about the same stage. We have a small group and we meet up periodically after work to talk about our issues. All convos stay in the group. Like AA, but for founders. Try it.

Succeeding ? Do we ever succeed ? Or always want more ?

What about passion? You're not passionate about your startup ?

I go through stages of either being unable to sleep, or unable to wake up before 12pm. I drink anything from 1-3 bottles of neat spirit a week. And I'm at breaking point with my girlfriend of 5 years.

And from the conversations I have with other founders, this is a fairly common/normal situation :-)

For the record, we have funding and revenue. But every night when I lay in bed and close my eyes, the only thing I can do is recalculate our runway.

There's only 1 thing I've found helps:

Keep exercising at a gym. NEVER skip the gym, no matter how important other work may seem. It's a great hack to keep your body and mind in shape, and spending 30 minutes staring at a hot girls ass (or the guns of a dude if thats your thing) are a great way to clear your mind for a while.

You can get away with not hanging out with friends and family as long as you're hitting a gym 3-5 x a week.

You'll look great, have endorphins flowing, your skin will look healthier (something women notice on people more than guys), you'll have more energy and sleep will be better.