Mental health and wellbeing resources for businesses

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Owning and running a small business can be challenging, particularly during difficult times such as natural disasters and ongoing economic changes.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is important to be able to work productively and achieve business and personal goals.

Pay attention to any red flags that indicate your mental health, or the health of your employees, needs to be prioritised.

On this page

If you need help now or you (or someone you know) is at imminent risk of harm:
  • phone triple zero (000) or go to a hospital
  • phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Mental health and wellbeing red flags

Be aware of the early warning signs that may indicate you need to pay attention to your mental health.

    • Having trouble concentrating
    • Not meeting deadlines
    • Not working to the usual standard
    • Withdrawing from staff
    • Feeling less engaged than usual
    • Feeling worthless or like a failure
    • Being absent from work
    • Feeling irritable, nervous, angry, anxious or worried
    • Feeling depressed or low in energy
    • Having trouble sleeping
    • Sleeping too much
    • Waking up and having difficulty getting back to sleep
    • Experiencing weight or appetite changes
    • Consuming more alcohol or other substances
    • Withdrawing from friends and family
    • Experiencing panic attacks
    • Having emotional or aggressive outbursts
    • Engaging in destructive behaviour
You should seek help if you have noticed a change in your feelings, thoughts or behaviour that:
  • lasts for more than a few weeks
  • affects your relationships and ability to work, learn or socialise
  • prevents you from participating in activities you've previously enjoyed.

Online mental health checks

Who can help

Sometimes, reaching out can be hard when you're feeling overwhelmed but it's important to take the first step.

Mental health support for business owners

  • Learn about NewAccess for small business owners, a free and confidential guided self-help mental health coaching program. Coaches with small business backgrounds work to equip you with practical skills to overcome difficult issues (in business and at home) and manage stress.

Someone to talk to

Business support

Planning for your mental health and wellbeing

A mental health and wellbeing plan helps you identify the kinds of stressors in your business that are likely to affect your mental health, and what you can do to minimise their effects. A plan can also help you create a mentally healthy workplace and help staff who may be struggling with their own mental health. Use the following resources to develop your mental health and wellbeing plan:

Creating a mentally healthy workplace

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