[mokash]

I see it the other way around. Creating a start-up is supposed to be fun and exciting as well as challenging. Someone suffering from depression starting a start-up could be a great way to get over their depression by working on something their passionate about.

I suppose there are many sides to this debate but that's just how I see it.

[jacquesm]

Start-ups are only 'fun and exciting' the first 90 days (if you last that long) before your first major crisis will hit. If it isn't like that you are not trying hard enough.

Side projects can be fun and exciting as long as you stay the hell away from success. There are not 'many sides' to this debate, people prone to heart failure should not be trying to set world records, people that suffer from depression should not do start-ups. It's simply asking for trouble.