The pandemic shutdown has taken a heavy toll on the finances of small-business owners. Somewhat less reported is the enormous strain it has put on their mental health.

“Over the last few months, I’ve seen a huge increase in reported levels of anxiety and depression,” said Aleya Littleton, a therapist in Golden, Colorado, who runs Wild & Wonderful Life counseling and has numerous small-business owners as patients. “It’s coming from the sense of hopelessness business owners are feeling.”