While I was a student at Stanford I learned about a phenomenon called “Duck Syndrome.”

Like ducks in water, Stanford students appear calm, composed, and seem to move effortlessly. However, below the surface, they are paddling hard just to stay afloat.

This desire to look effortlessly successful is a common problem in the entrepreneurial world too. I’ve met many entrepreneurs who appear happy and collected on the outside only to find out that they are suffering from depression or dealing with survival level issues for their businesses.

This phenomenon is amplified because entrepreneurs are always selling -- they have a natural tendency to downplay weaknesses and cover up their struggles. As a result, they’re often comparing the outward highlights of other companies against the behind-the-scenes struggles of their own. The problem with duck syndrome, is that it can quickly lead to mounting anxiety, stress and/or depression, preventing entrepreneurs from getting the help and advice they need to make their companies successful.

Here are three things to keep in mind as an entrepreneur:

1. The Grass Isn’t Always Greener

When Pixlee was at our accelerator, there was a peer company that we looked up to. In our eyes, they were “killing it.” They had just raised funding from brand-name investors, had an awesome product, and were getting covered by all sorts of press outlets. It was only after getting to know the founder that we found out about cofounder disputes, major issues with their new product, and personal issues at home.

Even the companies that we think of as “home runs,” had real challenges. Struggling to find product-market fit? Rovio built 52 games before they made Angry Birds. Having trouble fundraising? Pandora pitched 348 VCs and maxed out 11 credit cards before raising capital. Worried about competitors? Facebook copied Snapchat and poured their marketing resources behind their competitive product.

While all startups don’t become billion dollar companies, they all face hard challenges. Yours won’t be an exception. Don’t pay too much attention to other companies that look or claim to be smooth sailing all the time. Chances are, they are working just as hard as you are.

2. Face Your Challenges Openly

As a founder, your job is to fix the problems, not ignore or run away from them. If you don’t address important business challenges, then they won’t get fixed. While you might tell your friends that you’re always “crushing it,” it’s important to be self aware and honest with yourself when you’re not. Brutally honest and open dialogue with your co-founders, investors, and teams is critical in facing and defeating challenges.

"I believe honesty with your investors and coworkers is more mature than just waiting to unveil the good news” says Kevin Xu, a founder that went through the Y Combinator accelerator program. “It's the harder thing to do but you end up actually moving forward."

3. Surround Yourself With People You Trust

One of the hardest things about running a startup is finding the right people to have honest conversations about the challenges you’re facing. On one hand, you want your investors, advisors, and peers to think you are successful. On the other hand, if you hold back what your worries and challenges are, none of them can help you. Ultimately, it can be very difficult to know what information to share and to whom.

What I’ve found really helpful was to form a small support group of former or current entrepreneurs who have gone through similar growing pains. It’s extremely beneficial to have investors or advisors who are former operators. Chances are, they’ve faced many of the same issues and can relate to your situation. They can provide very relevant and appropriate advice and share hindsight from their own experiences.

Take the Umbrella

Startups have a lot of rainy days, and I find that entrepreneurs are afraid to ask for an umbrella. The emotional roller coaster of running a startup is stressful enough as is--the added anxiety of comparing with other startups, understating challenges, or keeping everything to yourself, can really take its toll. Don’t make it harder on yourself. Stay focused, face issues head on, and build a support group. Remember, no matter how great another entrepreneur or company looks, below the surface, underneath all of the press releases and announcements, everyone is frantically paddling away.

 Kyle Wong is the founder and CEO of Pixlee. Follow him on Twitter at @kwong47.