Running a small business can be so incredibly rewarding. You’re completely in charge of making your dreams come true while not having to answer to a boss and doing something you love day in and day out. But running the show also comes with its own set of challenges and stresses, especially during busy periods of the year like tax time.

Because managing financial pressures, giving your customers what they want and carving out some form of work-life balance can be overwhelming, having access to mental health resources and support systems is essential. So here’s what you can take advantage of right now as a small business owner.

Why is mental health so important for small business owners?

Entrepreneurs and small business owners have to wear multiple hats, juggling everything from operations to finances to marketing and beyond. As you’d imagine, this usually leads to higher stress levels and anxiety, which can affect both your personal well-being and overall business performance.

So prioritising your mental health is what’s most important for staying productive and fostering a more positive work environment. With direct access to helpful mental health resources, you can start to develop some strategies to manage your stress, improve your resilience and enjoy a happy, healthy work-life balance.

Here are four jumping-off points for mental health that can help you tap into the resources you need most as a small business owner.

NewAccess for Small Business Owners

Beyond Blue has a dedicated NewAccess for Small Business Owners program, which is free and confidential and offers mental health coaching specifically for small business owners.

It’s an initiative that involves six one-on-one sessions with a NewAccess Coach, focusing on how best to equip you with practical skills to handle the challenges of running a business. 

The program will also equip you with some strategies for managing stress more effectively, and your coach will help you regain your sense of well-being by addressing difficult issues to improve your mental health resilience.

Mental Health at Work

The NSW Small Business Commissioner’s website has various resources, one in particular being the Mental Health at Work microsite. Run by the NSW Government, it provides resources and support to help businesses create mentally healthy workplaces. 

Here you’ll find tools, training programs, guidelines and more for employers to improve mental wellbeing at work, reduce stress and support your staff more effectively. From case studies to workshops and beyond, it’s a hugely valuable resource for small business owners in NSW.

But even if you aren’t located in NSW, you can still access their online resources. Plus, your state or territory will likely have a variety of more localised resources for you to use.

Ahead for Business

Ahead for Business is a platform for supporting the mental health of small business owners and their employees. It includes resources like self-assessment tools, action plans, tips for managing stress and anxiety, and more.

You can also access a network of mental health professionals and peer-support groups — in other words, you can connect with other business owners who are facing similar issues.

Beyond Blue

You’ve probably heard about Beyond Blue, but if not, it’s a national organisation that delivers high-quality mental health support and resources to all Australians, including small business owners. The dedicated support team provides free, confidential advice and counselling to business owners who are dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression — at work or at home.

You’ll also be able to access a range of online resources, including articles, webinars, statistics, and forums, which can help you manage your mental health and build more resilience while on the job. This type of support can be truly invaluable, especially during taxing periods like the end of the financial year.

Tips for managing stress during tax season

Make self-care a must: Make time for exercise, get enough sleep and eat as healthy as possible to keep up your physical and mental wellness.
Don’t be afraid to get help: If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends, family, or mental health experts. Talking about your worries can help relieve stress—even just a little—and give you some perspective.
Plan and stay organised: Put together a detailed plan for managing your business’s financial and tax obligations, breaking tasks into manageable steps to reduce some of your burdens.
Delegate whatever you can’t handle: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to your employees or get help from other professionals, whether it’s an accountant or tax advisor, to lighten your workload at EOFY.
Practise mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily life. Both meditation and deep-breathing exercises can be helpful for managing stress and improving your focus.

Prioritising mental health will not only benefit your own well-being but also create a more balanced workplace where you are focused on the business’s long-term success. Remember, asking for help is never a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s a clear sign of strength, and — most importantly — it’s a proactive step towards achieving balance and success on your business journey.