Mental health in business

Running your own business can be a very rewarding experience, but being the boss can also be stressful.  Prolonged stress can be a major issue and a risk factor for your mental health.

Mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVVID-19) is causing disruptions to many business owners across the state, increasing stress levels and impacting mental health. It is important you know how to look after your own mental health, as well as that of your employees.

To maintain your mental health during this difficult time, there are some simple things you can do, including:

• eating well
• staying active
• using phone and video calls to keep in touch with friends, family, and the community; and
• making a daily routine including the above.

Telehealth services are now available if you or your employees need additional mental health support. Through Telehealth you can consult with a medical professional and request a mental health plan by phone or video call.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) mental health resources

Beyond Blue has tips to help you run your small business from home and information for small business owners on managing mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Heads Up has a page with information for employees including tips for self-care if you lose your job and how to work productive and safely from home. Business.gov.au has a dedicated page on coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health where you can find a range of free mental health resources in Australia.

Additional coronavirus (COVID-19) mental health support

The Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Mental health resources

Here is a list of existing mental health resources that you can reach out to.

• Lifeline — Crisis support. Call 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue — Crisis support. Call 1300 22 4636
• R U OK? — Resources for conversations around mental health
• Ahead for Business — Small business mental health advice
• Heads Up — Small business mental health advice
• Suicide Call Back Service — Professional 24/7 phone and online counselling for people affected by suicide. Call 1300 659 467
• Alcohol Drugs Information Service — Hotline and resources for those dealing with drugs and alcohol issues. Call 1800 250 015
• National Debt Helpline — Free advice and step-by-step guides on how to tackle debt. Call 1800 007 007
• The Royal Women's Sexual Assault Crisis Line — Crisis counselling, support and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault
• Mensline — Crisis support for men. Call 1300 78 99 78
• Health.vic.gov.au — Women’s mental health services finder
• Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria —Secures refuges for women suffering from domestic violence in Victoria
• Reach Out — Help for young people and their parents in difficult times
• Red Cross — Practical tips to maintain your wellbeing and manage isolation
• Partners in Wellbeing — Support to improve your wellbeing and free access to financial counsellors. Call 1300 375 330
• SANE Australia — Support for those who identify as having a complex mental illness. Call 1800 187 263
• Relationships Australia — Relationship support services
• Standby — Support for anyone who has been impacted by suicide
• Black Dog Institute — Self-help tools, apps and information for people with depression
• Mindspot — Free service providing assessment and treatment courses
• Qlife — Telephone and web-based services to support LGBTI people of all ages. Call 1800 184 527
• PANDA — National telephone information, counselling and referral service for people suffering from perinatal anxiety & depression
• Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) — Comprehensive mental health guide for small business owners including how to identify red flags, building strong support networks and creating a mental health plan.

Symptoms of stress

Understanding your behaviour can help you put controls in place to minimise the risk of escalating stress. These may be noticed by others or even yourself.

Altered behaviour

Signs and symptoms you should look out for are:

• irritability
• aggression
• mood swings
• poor concentration
• poor decision making.

Altered work performance

Signs and symptoms you should look out for are:

• low threshold for handling demands and achieving higher order tasks
• increased mistakes and accidents
• inability to make decisions/difficulty maintaining focus
• not wanting to go to work
• over working issues – unsure/worry
• general decline in performance (quality/quantity)
• reduced efficiency/increased procrastination.

Altered habits

Signs and symptoms you should look out for are:

• eating more or less
• drinking more
• smoking more.

Altered appearance – may be noticed by others

Signs and symptoms you should look out for are:

• lack of care in appearance
• looking miserable
• looking tired
• looking nervous
• looking agitated.

Seek professional help

If stress is getting on top of you remember there is support for you.

Counselling

Use Australian Psychology Society website to search for a psychologist in your area that will be able to provide you with professional counselling services.

Relationships

Relationships Australia aim to support all people in Australia to achieve positive and respectful relationships.

Mentoring

Small Business Mentoring Service offer a diverse range of mentors that can help you to navigate difficult business decisions.

Suicide and crisis support

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.

To talk to someone now call:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467