Mental Health Support for Business Owners
Running a business can be an isolating experience. And, with COVID-19 lockdowns and disruptions to trade, the pressure can be intense.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health program developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners the support they need. Whether you’re just feeling stressed, or completely overwhelmed about everyday life issues, they can help.
Understandably, a lot of small business owners are reporting that COVID-19 has negatively affected their mental health.
NewAccess is designed to appeal to people who might not otherwise seek support for their mental health and to provide support early, preventing symptoms from potentially getting worse.
Coaches of the NewAccess for Small Business Owners program all have a small business background and are trained in Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – a structured, evidence based psychological treatment. Put simply, it allows us to recognise the way we think, act and feel.
The program is open to small business owners (under 20 employees) who are not currently seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. The program starts with an initial assessment, then works with you over five sessions to tackle unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, using an individual plan that you develop with your coach. Together you will develop an understanding of what is causing distress and then work on practical tools and strategies that can be used in day-to-day life.
Managing your mental health during Coronavirus lockdowns:
There are a number of ways to support your mental health during periods of lockdown, self-isolation or quarantine.
- Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus.
- Remember that your effort is helping others in the community avoid contracting the virus.
- Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues via email, social media, video conferencing or telephone.
- Connect with others via the Beyond Blue forums thread: Coping during the coronavirus outbreak.
- Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.
- Keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy foods.
- Try to maintain physical activity.
- Establish routines as best possible and try to view this period as a new experience that can bring health benefits.
- For those working from home, try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific work hours, taking regular breaks and, if possible, establishing a dedicated work space.
- Access good quality information
- Find a healthy balance in relation to media coverage. Avoid news and social media if you find it distressing.
Seek support
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed by the news of the Coronavirus outbreak. We encourage people who have experienced mental health issues in the past to:
- Activate your support network
- Acknowledge feelings of distress
- Seek professional support early if you’re having difficulties.
For those already managing mental health issues, continue with your treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms. Acknowledge feelings of distress and seek further professional support if required.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | Webchat
Lifeline Crisis Support Line: 13 11 14
HeadsUp:headsup.org.au
Ahead For Business:aheadforbusiness.org.au
See financial support options on our Coronavirus info page.
