I have made a mess.

[OgresHaveLayers]

Only joined this forum today as I was searching around for business support. I have made a mess of my business and personal finances and life and don't know how to move myself forward.

Can you believe I just wrote my piece and ran out of room just as the current struggle began.

In short, I was bullied as a kid for being gay (it was the 90's and we were very rural). I got diagnosed with PTSD, binge eating and Seronegative Arthritis around 30. Accessed some help around that time. Then had a few good years.

Currently, I was in the middle of the fires and as a casual nurse was unable to work. My Aunt who has long been a huge support of mine died and I didn't get the chance to grieve her as the pandemic wore on and nurses were really unable to take a step back. I started a side hustle which was one positive thing. The second COVID vaccine exacerbated my arthritis to the point where I was unable to work for 8 weeks then could only go back on reduced hours and not on the floor. My partner was bullied out of a job and now has mental health problems of his own. I was unable to get the medicare exemption for the third vaccine but was medically advised not to have it because of the reaction to the second, so I had to give up my nursing career. I then fell into a pit of despair and had no insight, made some bad decisions around my business and have just been making more of a mess of my life and my business since. I have seen my GP, we started me on antidepressants which are great, but everyday I find something else I messed up and have to add another thing to my list of I need to fix.

I have supportive people around and I talk to them but there is just so much I messed up I don't know where to start getting it back on track. I see a psychologist and have an appointment with a financial advisor for my personal finances to run over it all, but what I need is some sort of business coaching to help me get back on my feet and bring my business back, but there seems to be nothing. I am reaching out to any other business owners who have found themselves in this trap and how you dug yourself out keeping your mental health intact. Mine is still on a knifes edge and it could go either way.

[OgresHaveLayers]

Hi Bob,

I have logged in to reply to you about three times now. That link was helpful thanks. I am feeling a lot better. I was able to find support of sorts through Service NSW. Called business concierge, they link small business owners to other business owners and advisors to help get through tough times. I haven't received a call back as yet. But will update how the service is in case you find other people in a similar boat. I have a feeling there is going to be a fair bit of need for small businesses needing support while we come out of this last phase and full slog it into the next phase of this life.

I have really appreciated your support and as an ex Mental Health Nurse. I think I can see the compassion and understanding you will need for a mental health support worker.

Good luck on all of it and chat to you again soon.

Cheers,

OgresHaveLayers

[Bob_22]

Hi OgresHaveLayers,

Thanks for the update. It's so great to hear that you found some support through Service NSW. I didn't even know they did that sort of thing. Yes please let us know how that goes. 

Thank you for your feedback, it means a lot. I have a passion for mental health since it closely affects and would love to work in the industry some day. Its also great that you have been on the forums supporting others through the LGBTIQA+ threads. One post can make such a huge difference. Thanks again.

Bob

[OgresHaveLayers]

Hi Bob,

I wasn't aware of the service either, there are also online seminars to learn about business. I haven't managed to get myself to one yet. 

I have my first appointment with a business advisor tomorrow and see how that goes.

Some of the best Mental Health workers are ones who have lived experience.

I was labelled as gay when I was 6 and bullied my entire childhood and teenage years for it, I didn't know what gay meant until I was 11 and started realised it applied to me at 12. I grew up in a very small country town in rural NSW in the 90s and had noone to turn to while I dealt with everything that entailed and there was very little in the way of internet, let alone support. So once I grew up and became more comfortable with me. I vowed to be there for others experiencing the same trials. Especially this last year or two realising I also don't fit into the standard gender box either and have explored that too.

Once I get my business back on track I intend on using it to create a place for small business owners get back on track after a Mental Health crisis and some sort of forum for Australian LGBTQIA+ businesses to connect.

Even though I am no longer nursing I still want to help people.

Cheers,

OgresHaveLayers

[Bob_22]

Hi OrgresHaveLayers,

Thank you for the update. How did your appointment go? I hope you had a good xmas also. I know it can sometimes be a stressful time. 

Thank you so much for sharing your childhood experience. It sounds like it must have been very difficult for you. It sounds like you have used it to make a mission now which I admire you for. I love the idea for making a place that Australian LGBTQIA+ businesses can connect. Have you heard of https://www.acon.org.au/? They are NSW based but they support organisations and businesses in being more open and inclusive. I have also used their site for some great training they have. Perhaps you could find some resources or even consult with them for help with something like this?

Hope that helps.

Bob