While 45 per cent of farmers say they have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and nearly a third have attempted self-harm or suicide.
According to the same report, one farmer dies by suicide every 10 days — a rate twice as high as that of the general population.
Recently released survey results from Beyond Blue’s, Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check indicate people are delaying seeking help for their mental health, with nearly half of those who sought professional mental health support (49 per cent) reporting they were “very distressed” or “extremely distressed” before they sought support.
Leading barriers to seeking help included waitlists, affordability of treatment shame and stigma, and people thinking their problem wasn’t serious enough.
Data shows that after contacting the Beyond Blue Support Service, 75 per cent of people felt less distressed and 82 per cent of people felt heard and understood.
Animal health company Zoetis is marking its tenth year of support for mental health in rural and regional Australia, with $1 million contributed to Beyond Blue since partnering together in 2016.
This milestone includes a new $100,000 donation to Beyond Blue, which will help provide mental health services for people living outside the nation’s major cities.
Each year, Zoetis donates $5 from every sale of its livestock, pig, poultry and companion animal vaccines and parasiticide products, up to $100,000, helping the partnership reach this significant $1 million milestone in its tenth year.
“Zoetis works closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farming community, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families,” Zoetis livestock business unit director Fred Schwenke said.
“We are proud to once again be supporting Beyond Blue and the important work they do.”
Derek Schoen, a Corowa farmer and Beyond Blue spokesperson, said the pressure on farmers remained immense.
“Life on the land can be incredibly rewarding, but also deeply demanding,” he said.
“While mental health conditions occur at similar rates across the country, people in rural and regional areas face unique pressures such as droughts, floods, isolation, financial stress, long work hours and limited access to healthcare and mental health support.
“Whether it’s watching your crops go under in a flood or facing another dry season, the emotional toll is enormous.”
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Beyond Blue Support Service for free and confidential counselling, advice and referrals via 1300 22 46 36, or chat online at beyondblue.org.au
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