Mental health support

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Overview

This page provides essential information and resources to assist insolvency practitioners in navigating complex personal issues related to mental health. It aims to help you and your staff address everyday challenges associated with mental wellbeing.

Mental health issues can affect anyone. The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2022), indicates 2 in 5 Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives.

There are many free resources available to help you know what to do when you think someone needs support. You can find out what to do and say if a person is suicidal. These resources include information about how to find support for yourself.

Helping people who are going through insolvency or bankruptcy can take its toll on staff. Insolvency practitioners should take preventative steps, such as making time for routine self-care. Check in regularly with yourself and others for harmful signs of stress.

Find out if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and be aware of the services you can access if you need support.

Seeking support for others

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has a useful tip sheet about supporting others, to help you:

  • identify if someone is experiencing mental distress
  • approach someone that might be experiencing mental illness
  • support others experiencing difficult challenges
  • consider what might not be helpful when dealing with others
  • know what to do if a person is suicidal.

The blended online course Mental Health First Aid for Financial Services Professionals is for professionals assisting those in financial distress.

MHFA: (03) 9079 0200

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue has information about how to support others, including how to start a conversation and free online training modules.

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Seeking support for yourself

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue has comprehensive information about getting support, and resources to help you:

  • learn about mental health
  • find a mental health professional
  • find the right words when asking for help
  • identify what you might need and what to do if the support you get is unhelpful
  • identify tips and strategies to maintain your wellbeing
  • talk or chat online to a counsellor.

Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners is a free six-session coaching program for businesses, with options available for individuals.

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Immediate assistance

Lifeline:

Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 telephone support or go to Lifeline crisis chat for live text support.

Suicide Call Back Service:

Phone and online counselling available at 1300 659 467.

Other services

Ombudsman

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman – Mental health resources.

RU OK

Join the conversation – ruok.org.au

Mensline Australia

Visit mensline.org.au or call 1300 789 978.

Government resources

Visit Business.gov.au for businesses-related mental health resources.

Headsup

Visit headsup.org.au for mental health and wellbeing courses from Beyond Blue for small business advisers.

Head to Health

Digital mental health resources from trusted professionals – headtohealth.gov.au.

Insolvency-specific resources

We have been a proud partner in the Insolvency Mental Health Awareness Program (IMHAP), a joint initiative between AFSA, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA).

As part of this program, we developed the following resources to assist our own staff with navigating mental health challenges for stakeholders, their teams and themselves.

They may also be used to assist other insolvency professionals to be used within their own organisations.