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34 SPOTLIGHT SERIES MENTAL HEALTH FROM PAGE 33 Science, the main concerns for small- business owners during this time have been financial concerns and uncertainty about the viability of the business. We know that for small-business owners, when the business is stressed, they are stressed. Small-business owners with staff have also been concerned for the welfare of their employees, for which JobKeeper provided much-needed relief. Data released by NAB last year indicated that 44.6 per cent of \[surveyed\] small-business owners reported feeling anxious, and 38.8 per cent reported feeling lonely during the July-September quarter of 2020. A report by MYOB from July 2020 showed that over a third of small-business owners reported Covid-19 and its wider economic impact were the leading cause of mental health challenges for small-business owners. Everymind is undertaking research to look at the effect of Covid-19 on the family day care and entertainment industries. Can you tell us more about Everymind? What is it and what services/help does the organisation offer small- business owners? Everymind is a leading national organisation dedicated to reducing mental ill-health and suicide and improving wellbeing. The organisation has been delivering evidence-based prevention programs for more than 25 years. One of these programs is ‘Ahead for Business’, which has been designed to support the mental health and wellbeing needs of small-business owners. The Ahead for Business digital hub has resources for small-business owners and those that support them on managing common stressors (business and personal), assessment tools for business and mental health, and an online forum to connect with like-minded people. It’s been developed in collaboration with small-business owners, and showcases their voices and experiences through podcasts, videos, blogs and case studies. What programs do you run to support small-business owners? In addition to the digital hub, the Ahead for Business team is running monthly ‘Wellbeing Workshops’ to provide knowledge and guidance for small- business owners around supporting their mental health. To sign up, visit the Ahead for Business Events page. A trial of the new free online training program, Business Wellbeing, is also currently open for registrations. The training is self-guided, so small-business owners can complete the four short modules when it suits them, and each one takes only 10-15 minutes to complete. These modules cover information about mental health, stigma, how to have effective conversations, self-care and how to set up a mentally healthy workplace. What resources are available to small- business owners to support their mental health and wellbeing? On the digital hub, a variety of resources are tailored to small-business owners, on topics such as coping with common business stresses (for example, finances), ideas to support mental health and wellbeing, and inspirational stories from other small-business owners in the form of videos, podcasts, blog pieces and Q&A interviews. There are specific resources and case studies featuring small-business owners in particular industries and communities (for example, rural communities). There are two tools that small- business owners can use to check in with themselves and their businesses. The first is a ‘mental health check-up’ that allows small-business owners to consider any mental health warning signs they may be experiencing, and offers ways to address these. The second is a ‘business stressor screen’ that allows business owners to identify which areas of running their business are causing them mental stress, and provides practical options for action. There’s also a ‘forum’ for small-business owners to connect with others and share experiences and advice. In addition, the ‘wellbeing plan’ is a guided interactive tool that all small-business owners are encouraged to implement. Having this plan of action can promote mental health and wellbeing in their business. BeyondBlue has partnered with Everymind on a number of initiatives, and also provides resources and support for small-business owners through its HeadsUp website, and free confidential mental health coaching through NewAccess. How can pharmacists help support their customers who may be struggling with mental health? Be available to listen if a customer wishes to discuss any issues with you, and know where you can refer them for help. Find out if they have support from family and friends they feel comfortable talking to, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP, or contact other online and telephone support services. If you notice any changes in the behaviour of regular customers, have the confidence to start a conversation. The important thing is to be non-judgemental. Just let them know that you’ve noticed – they may not have noticed themselves – that you care and are available to listen if needed. One way to open this conversation might be: ‘I’ve noticed that you don’t seem yourself lately and I was wondering if you’re OK.’ How can retail pharmacists, who may also be small-business owners, ensure they are looking after their mental health and wellbeing and that of their staff? Work-life balance is very important for small-business owners. Often the demands of running a business can leave little time and energy for other parts of your life. But it’s important to make time for yourself and your personal life, as these times are really important for supporting your mental health and wellbeing. Be sure to make time for sleep, to move your body, connect with others and do activities you enjoy. You can also try additional self-care strategies, such as mindfulness meditation. Keep this in mind for your employees as well, ensuring they also have work-life balance and aren’t overworked, and that you celebrate the wins so that everyone feels a sense of achievement. Importantly, communicate openly and honestly with staff, listen to their input, and respond quickly to any issues before they escalate. If you notice any changes in the behaviour of an employee, try to open up a conversation with them about how they’re doing. Be prepared to listen, and assist if you can, or refer them to more support if it’s needed. If needed, where can people who are struggling with their mental health be referred to get further help and support? If you sense someone is struggling with their mental health, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP to be referred to appropriate support. Additionally, phone support is available 24/7 through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for immediate help. RETAIL PHARMACY • JUN 2021 To learn more about Everymind, visit: everymind.org.au