Farmers: What is your strategy when depression strikes? Here’s help
BASS Coast Shire Council is running a mental health first aid training event for members of the agricultural community as well as people and organisations who have regular contact with farmers. Council is encouraging organisations, businesses and...
BASS Coast Shire Council is running a mental health first aid training event for members of the agricultural community as well as people and organisations who have regular contact with farmers.
Council is encouraging organisations, businesses and networks that directly service and support or who are in touch with local agricultural communities to participate.
These may be businesses such as financial services providers including accountants, banks and insurance agents; vets, stock agents, agriculture supply businesses, health care providers as well as community organisations.
Sadly, close to one third (30%) of Australian farmers reported a decline in mental health over the past few years.
The National Farmer Wellbeing Report commissioned by Norco – Australia’s oldest and largest 100% farmer owned dairy co-operative – in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, reported that in recent years, nearly half of Australian farmers (45%) have felt depressed, with almost two thirds (64%) experiencing anxiety. For one in seven (14%), it’s a frequent experience.
Even more devastating, close to half of Australian farmers (45%) have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, while close to a third (30%) have attempted self-harm or suicide.
“We acknowledge the unique challenges faced by rural landowners when it comes to farming and agri-business,” said Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan.
“Providing mental health resilience and capacity within the farming community will help to destigmatise the challenges that our farmers face. This program is helping us create community champions to support resilience and mental health in farming communities.
“We really want to get those who have regular contact with farmers to be equipped with the skills to help them when times are tough.”
This accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training will be run over two days and costs only $20.
MHFA training offers practical first aid skills and gives confidence to help anyone experiencing mental health issues.
You’ll learn how to approach someone who’s struggling, ask the right questions and help them access professional help.
Mental Health First Aid Course – Two-day course
- Dates - Monday and Tuesday, 25 and 26 September
- Time - 9am – 4pm lunch included.
- Cost - $20 (valued at $300)
- Place - Wonthaggi Civic Centre Council Chambers
- Facilitator - Veronique Hamilton, Registered Mental Health Nurse of Exploring Minds, Mental Health Education
- Included in registration will be a MHFA hard copy manual, refreshments, and lunch.
- For more information and to book your spot - https://mental-health-first-aid-BCSC.eventbrite.com.au
This course is one component of a larger program of works Council are delivering which is funded by the Department of Health. The broader program is focused on building resilience and wellbeing of the farming community across Bass Coast. It includes three core elements that aim to complement each other:
- Small Agribusiness and Farming Diversity and Resilience Program currently underway with 20 participants.
- Mental Health First Aid course tailored to farming communities.
- Program in partnership with Food & Fibre Gippsland to better support existing health and agribusiness support networks.
We encourage community to share this invitation amongst your networks and support team and let us change these statistics.
Further information can be obtained through Teresa.Mahood@basscoast.vic.gov.au
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing depression or anxiety, then it’s important to get help. Talk to friends, other farmers, a doctor or someone at Beyond Blue’s support service. For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call Head to Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
The healthdirect website has more information on rural and mental health. AgHealth Australia has also produced a useful booklet to help you identify and manage the stress of farming. Here are the links:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor
https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/rural-remote-mental-health
