A conversation could save a life. R U OK? Day 2023 is Thursday 14 September and is our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.
It’s not uncommon for people to experience a dip in their mental state during the colder months. People who live with mental illnesses often find winter can exacerbate some of their usual symptoms. And, for some (usually) mentally healthy people, winter can create feelings of melancholy, despondency and dampened motivation.
Our mental health is just like our physical health and is just as important. Just because you can’t necessarily see a mental health concern, this doesn’t mean it isn’t real or important. Psychosocial health should be considered in the same way that physical health is in the workplace. This means managing hazards, removing or minimising risks and providing safe and supportive work environments.
Beyond Blue recently launched a new service to support Small Business Owners (with less than 20 employees), called NewAccess. NewAccess is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need. For larger businesses in NSW, the state government has collaborated with the Black Dog Institute offer free, expert led training and coaching for employers, leaders and employees of NSW businesses with less than 200 employees to support mental health in the workplace for a limited time.
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