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Nobody among us is immune to mental health issues. It can hit any of us – at any time – usually when we least expect it. So we should talk about it.
Mental Health
Tim Hoopmann of Spinn Business Solutions in Sydney is a popular public speaker and also volunteers for Beyond Blue. So perfect to ask for advice.
Here is what we learned but please listen in as Tim Hoopmann explains all this much better than we ever could.
To listen while you drive, walk or work, just access the episode through a free podcast app on your mobile phone.
Just You
When you run a small business, it is usually just you. And that is often not an easy undertaking. It is easy to feel isolated. You don’t have the support network that you might have in a larger organisation.
Small Changes
While high levels of stress easily lead to anxiety or depression, there are some simple measures we can take to reduce the level of stress.
Waiting for outstanding payments for example can be highly stressful. You check the bank balance every night and just desperately wait for the payment to come in. However, if you changed your engagement letter and payment terms to direct debits, you erase that stress. Small change. Big difference. That is just one example.
Industries
Some industries are more prone to mental health issues and the finance industry is one of these. So we all need to look after our mental health.
Break the Silence
People often talk about their physical health. They discuss their exercise regime, their gym membership etc. But we tend to be very silent about mental health. We are all silent and don’t reach out for help or to help.
Statistics
There are over 3 million people in Australia struggling with anxiety. Of those people 1 in 3 are women and 1 in 5 are men.
There are around 1 million people in Australia who struggle with depression at some stage in their lifetime. Of those 1 in 6 are women and 1 in 8 are men.
The big change is that we start talking about it. Especially men start being more open about their mental health struggles.
Continuum
Mental health it is not a static state. It is a continuum. We all have good and bad days. We all slide up and down on the scale of mental health. But sometimes some of us slip outside of this healthy margin.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue offers support around anxiety, depression and suicide prevention. Their phone 1300 22 4636 is manned 24/7 with clinical staff that are keen to talk to you.
Your Thoughts
Your thoughts have a big impact on how you feel. Try to think healthy thoughts. Look for the silver lining. And look after yourself. Put yourself first for once.
Put Yourself First
When you are running a practice alone or with a team, it is easy to put yourself last. But don’t. Put yourself first. When you are fit and healthy, you can help others. When you are down and out, you can’t. So looking after yourself and making sure that you are ok, it actually the best way to help others.
So be kind to yourself. And please call 1300 22 4636 if you feel alone or isolated or slipping down a slippery road.
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Disclaimer: Tax Talks does not provide financial or tax advice. All information on Tax Talks is of a general nature only and might no longer be up to date or correct. You should seek professional accredited tax and financial advice when considering whether the information is suitable to your or your client’s circumstances.
Last Updated on 30 April 2020
