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More than 3.4 million people in Australia are dealing with anxiety or depression, and nearly half of the population will face mental health issues in their lifetime.<\/p>\n
Not only are Australians living in rural and remote areas disproportionately affected by stress and anxiety, getting access to services is significantly harder due to attitudinal, financial, and digital barriers.<\/p>\n
Derek Schoen, a Corowa farmer and Beyond Blue board member, emphasised the importance of maintaining hope amidst adversity.<\/p>\n
“Country people are resilient and tough, but the many challenges we face can take a toll on our mental health,” Mr Schoen said.<\/p>\n
“The repeated extreme weather events we’ve seen at the start of this year have added to these stresses and I would encourage people to not lose hope and to seek support early.”<\/p>\n
According to research from the National Farmers Federation, nearly a third of farmers have reported a decline in their mental health, citing weather-related disasters (47 per cent), financial stress (36 per cent), and inflation and cost pressures (35 per cent) as top contributors.<\/p>\n
Alarmingly, close to half of Australian farmers have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, with feelings of loneliness and limited access to mental health services compounding these challenges.<\/p>\n
Beyond Blue’s Support Service have been instrumental in providing a lifeline to those in distress.<\/p>\n
After contacting the service, a significant majority of individuals reported feeling heard, understood, and less distressed, highlighting the positive impact of early intervention and support.<\/p>\n
The journey to mental health is a collective effort that relies on a foundation of compassion, understanding, and support.<\/p>\n
Support can be given in many ways, including lending a listening ear.<\/p>\n
Mr Williams said every act of kindness, no matter how seemingly small, carries immense significance.<\/p>\n
“Whether it’s a simple check-in with a neighbour, a supportive conversation with a friend, or a compassionate gesture towards a work colleague, these actions contribute to building a community where mental health is prioritised and stigma is dismantled.”<\/p>\n
If you need immediate help, phone Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, headspace on 1800 650 890 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FARMERS just roll on through both good and bad times, but for some it becomes overwhelming as they struggle with all the variables that can compound to create a great deal of anxiety. Farming is not a 9-5 job – being responsible for livestock, crops, fodder preparation along with a myriad of other tasks means […]<\/p>\n