According to research done by the Bank of Queensland:
- More than one in 10 SME owners in Australia have been diagnosed with depression, stress or anxiety at some point
- Operating a sole venture caused 24% of business owners to become unwell.
- 15% had sought the services of a psychologist to help them manage the daily pressures
- 41% of SME owners are unlikely to discuss these pressures with anyone
Not sure where to start?
HeadsUp is a collaboration between The Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance and beyondblue to help small business owners, employers and employees create a mentally healthy workplace. It also gives tips on how they can manage their mental health at work.
beyondblue has a simple checklist to measure whether you have been affected by depression or anxiety in the past month. Take the test here.
Who can you speak to?
You can call beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
MensLine Australia is a 24/7 support and information service for Australian men. You can contact them on 1300 789 978.
If in crisis…
Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention service. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and have difficulty coping with your current situation, you can contact them on 13 11 14 anytime.
Small business support services
- NSW – Small Business Commissioner
Phone: 1300 795 534 - ACT – Innovate Canberra
Phone: 13 22 81
- VIC – Business Victoria
Phone: 13 22 15
- QLD – Business Queensland
Phone: 13 74 68
- WA – Small Business Development Corporation
Phone: 13 12 49
- SA – Department of State Development
Phone: 1800 072 722
- TAS – Tasmanian Government
Phone: 1800 440 026
- NT – Department of Trade, Business and Innovation
Phone: (08) 8999 5511
Want to find out the secret to small business success? Tune into #BizSecretsSBS at Sundays 5pm on SBS, stream on SBS Demand, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.