Corowa farmer and Beyond Blue board member Derek Schoen says rural Australians need support that recognises the realities of life on the land.
With mental health challenges in rural Australia reaching increasingly concerning levels, a Corowa farmer is part of the movement to support the wellbeing of the country’s farming and regional communities. EMMA PRIOR has the story.
Corowa farmer, Federation Shire councillor and Beyond Blue board member Derek Schoen says rural Australians need support that recognises the realities of life on the land.
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Almost half of Australian farmers report experiencing feelings of depression and 64 per cent say they have dealt with anxiety.
Alarmingly, 45 per cent of farmers say they have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide and nearly a third have attempted it.
One farmer dies by suicide every 10 days — a rate twice as high as that of the general population.
The situation is compounded by a reluctance to speak up.
“Rural Australians are more vulnerable due to their geographical isolation, often demanding work conditions and limited access to support,” Derek said.
“Natural disasters, like the recent floods in NSW, also add to the enormous toll on our mental health — watching a life’s work destroyed overnight, facing the immense task of rebuilding infrastructure and restocking, or struggling to feed the livestock we have saved.”
While mental health conditions occur at similar rates across the country, people in rural areas often face greater barriers to getting help as access to services can be limited by distance, cost, poor connectivity, or concerns about privacy and stigma.
A chronic shortage of clinical practitioners in rural and remote areas often means long distance travel to see someone and often a long wait for an appointment when mental health treatment is time critical.
“Our farmers are some of the most resilient people in the country, but we still need to ask for help,” Derek said.
“The important message is to seek assistance early because history has shown that early intervention has the best results.”
During the last major countrywide drought, Beyond Blue was looking for a board member who could bring their experience of the challenges of rural and regional communities.
Derek’s name was put forward.
“Next thing, I found myself having a phone conversation with then-chair Julia Gillard,” he said.
“Six years later, the challenges are still there, so I am working hard with Beyond Blue to find the solutions to help people in our local communities to find themselves on the other side.”
Data shows the biggest triggers are weather events and natural disasters, followed by financial pressures and rising costs.
Recent data shows about 30 per cent of farmers have experienced a decline in their mental health in recent years.
The biggest stressors include weather events and natural disasters, reported by 47 per cent of farmers, followed by financial pressure at 36 per cent and rising costs at 35 per cent.
More than half of farmers say they stay silent about their mental health because they feel uncomfortable or fear they will burden others.
“If you notice a friend or family member becoming withdrawn, not engaging in the usual way you are familiar with, not attending events or sports practise, appearing overly anxious or not wanting to get out of bed, these can be some of the warning signs,” Derek said.
“For someone in a crisis, making that first step can seem overwhelming but to seek help is a sign of strength and not weakness.”
Every two minutes, someone in Australia contacts the Beyond Blue support service and feedback shows the positive impact of reaching out.
Animal health company Zoetis has a long-standing partnership with Beyond Blue and aims to raise $100,000 by the end of the year by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s vaccines and parasiticide products up to $100,000, to reach the $1 million milestone.
Until October 31, Australians can support the Zoetis and Beyond Blue initiative.
To learn more or find out how to support the campaign, visit www.zoetis.com.au
If you or someone you know needs support, the Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat or email. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue support service on 1300 224 636. The Free web chat is also available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat and you can join the online forums for free.
