Mental health support for business owners

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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.

You don’t need a doctor’s referral or mental health treatment plan to access the program therefore will not need to visit a doctor first. The program is available via phone or video call from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm AEST.

Further help:

For more information visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess/newaccess-for-small-business-owners

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