Behind the Smile: Why Employers Must Lead the Way in Mental Health Conversations

There are stories that leave a mark on us—not because of their fame, but because of the truth they carry. The recent loss of Adam Selwood, just 102 days after his twin brother Troy’s passing, is one such story. Their bond, their battles, and their brave attempts to support mental health awareness are a powerful reminder that mental illness does not discriminate. It affects the strong, the successful, and even the seemingly unshakable.

The Selwood tragedy isn’t isolated. It mirrors a wider crisis unfolding quietly across our workplaces and industries. And in sectors like construction and finance, the pressures can be overwhelming, the signs harder to spot, and the consequences devastating.

At Renown Lending, we’ve seen firsthand how financial stress, deadlines, and business uncertainty can take a toll on mental health—particularly for builders and developers in a volatile property market. We aren’t just lenders; we are partners. And being a partner means more than delivering funds. It means recognising when a client is struggling, listening without judgement, and connecting them to the support they need.

Recently, we’ve referred several of our clients—hardworking builders facing crushing workloads, delayed payments, and unrealistic expectations—to Beyond Blue and other trusted support services. These are professionals who are often stoic by nature, who pride themselves on pushing through, but sometimes, even the strongest foundations can crack under pressure.

And when that happens, the fallout isn’t just financial—it’s deeply personal.

Why Lenders Must Be Part of the Mental Health Solution

Lenders play a powerful role in the business ecosystem. But with power comes responsibility. We must look beyond spreadsheets and credit scores. We need to look at the people behind the applications. At Renown Lending, we’ve made it a priority to understand our clients’ challenges not just from a financial standpoint, but from a human one.

Here’s why:

1. Mental Health Affects Financial Outcomes
   Poor mental health can impact decision-making, increase risk exposure, and cause delays in communication or project delivery. Recognising and supporting clients early can prevent a downward spiral that harms both parties.

2. Trust Is Built on Care, Not Just Capital
   Our clients trust us because we treat them as more than numbers. When we ask how they’re really going, we mean it. And when things get tough, we’re there to help—not just with bridging finance, but with a safety net of understanding.

3. Early Intervention Prevents Crisis
   A builder missing deadlines or falling silent may not be avoiding repayment—they may be overwhelmed or unwell. By opening the door to honest conversations, lenders can intervene early and reduce the risk of default or distress.

4. We’re All Responsible
   Just like employers, lenders are in a position of influence. If we see something’s wrong, we must speak up and offer support—quietly, respectfully, and without judgment.

What Renown Lending Is Doing

• Training Our Team: We’ve introduced training to help our staff identify red flags in client conversations and know when and how to refer someone to professional help.

• Working With Mental Health Organisations: We actively promote and connect clients to resources like Beyond Blue, Lifeline, and MATES in Construction, which specialises in mental health support for tradespeople.

• Embedding Mental Health Into Our Culture: We don’t shy away from these conversations—we welcome them. In every client meeting, whether face-to-face or over the phone, we prioritise empathy and honesty.

This isn’t about optics. It’s about doing the right thing.

As we reflect on the heartbreak of the Selwood family’s loss, we must ask ourselves: what more can we do to protect the people around us—from employees to clients to suppliers?

The answer begins with one small, brave step: a conversation.

If you're a business owner, lender, or employer reading this—please don’t wait for the signs to become too obvious. Talk to your people. Create space for truth. Refer to professionals when needed. And above all, let’s remind one another that strength is not found in silence, but in solidarity.

If this article has raised concerns for you or someone you know, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Help is available, and you are not alone.