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Government of South Australia - Department of Industry, Innovation and ScienceOffice for Small Family and Business

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Mental health and wellbeing

Looking after yourself and your employees

Taking steps to boost your mental health and maintaining a healthy workplace is good for you, your staff and your bottom line.

Most small business owners share a positive attitude and can-do approach which keeps you motivated and upbeat, even during the tough times.

But managing employees and suppliers, long hours, unpredictable cashflow – not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic – can all take a toll.

Some stress in your work is pretty typical, but if you’re feeling anxious or depressed and struggling to sleep or maintain good relationships with staff, customers, family and friends – it’s time to take action.

Try these ideas to boost your mental wellbeing

  • Try for a healthy work-life balance, making time for family and friends and activities you enjoy.
  • Get into a regular exercise routine to ease your stress and boost your energy.
  • Eat well and get enough sleep.
  • Say ‘’no’ once in a while so you’re not over-committed.
  • Plan ahead of time, so you’re prepared for future events.
  • Find ways to relax and unwind – try meditation, listening to music or breathing techniques.
If these strategies aren’t helping, it might be time to talk to someone.

There’s no shame in asking for support and you’re not alone - one in five Australians experience a mental health condition during their lifetime.

A good starting point is talking to your GP. They can help you work out what’s going on and if you need treatment or other counselling services.

SA helplines and health service directories

If you think you or your employees are experiencing anxiety or depression, it can help to talk to a professional.

  • Visit your doctor (GP)
  • Visit SA Health for a directory of websites and telephone health advice lines to provide you with health advice, support and information from qualified health care professionals.
  • Rural Business Support has rural financial counsellors who can help you work through farm business challenges. The website also provides a comprehensive list of services to help with mental wellbeing. Call 1800 836 211.
  • Find your bank’s financial difficulty contact details at the Australian Banking Association
  • The Financial Counsellors’ Association provides free confidential support if you are experiencing financial difficulty. Call 1800 007 007 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm.
  • Find out how the Australian Tax Office (ATO) can assist small businesses when mental illness affects the ability to pay tax or super obligations.

When you’re dealing with a dispute, your mental health can suffer. Support is available to help you resolve disputes quickly and before they escalate.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Crisis support and suicide prevention services:

  • Lifeline provides 24/7 telephone crisis support and counselling 13 11 14or the Lifeline Crisis Support Chat is available 7pm to midnight.
  • beyondblue Support Services offers crisis support via phone call, online chat or email. All calls and chats are one-on-one with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential. Call 1300 224 636 or go to the beyondblue online chat support service 3pm to midnight.
  • Suicide Call Back Service nationwide service that provides free telephone, video and online counselling 24/7. Call 1300 659 467 or go to Suicide Call Back Service online chat and video counselling.
  • Mental Health Triage Service provides 24/7assistance in a mental health emergency. Call 13 14 65.

Healthy workplaces

Building a healthy, safe and thriving workplace benefits everyone.

If you employ staff, they are likely to be more productive and have fewer sick days.

Healthy workplaces are resilient, attract and keep staff, and prevent workplace issues from arising or address them early.

Learn more

Mental health and wellbeing resources

There are also many free resources specifically designed for small businesses to help look after you and your employees’ mental health.

Newaccess

Beyond Blue’s mental health coaching service

Beyond Blue’s NewAccess mental health coaching is a guided 6-session self-help program designed to give you the skills to manage everyday life stresses.
Access the program
Business health

My Business Health

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s My Business Health gives you easy access to tools, templates and tips to manage your health and wellbeing.
Learn more
Healthy workplace

Become a healthy workplace

Do you employ staff? Learn more about how you can create a healthy, safe and thriving workplace.
Learn more
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Brain Food

Explore Mindarma’s continuous learning platform for mindfulness activities, podcasts, research, quotes, videos, books, events and articles.
Access the platform

Preventative Health SA

Preventative Health SA is the state government agency focused on prevention and supporting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of all South Australians.

Beyond Blue’s Heads Up platform

A central source of information, tools and resources to better mental health in your workplace.

The Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance

A national initiative that promotes and creates mentally healthy workplaces.
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