Rural Aid is urging farmers and rural communities to check in on one another this Mental Health Month, saying connection can make a real difference when pressures build in the bush.
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme was “Together we thrive”, recognising the role strong communities play in supporting people through life’s challenges. For many people in rural and regional Australia, isolation, distance, and limited access to services remain significant barriers to getting help.
Rural Aid’s Pulse of the Paddock survey found 94 per cent of farmers said their community was important to accessing services. Another 38 per cent identified barriers to accessing services for themselves and their families.
Farmers can face a range of pressures, including drought, floods, fires, biosecurity threats, rising costs, and uncertainty about the future. Those challenges can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Rural Aid Mental Health Manager Myf Pitcher said access to qualified counsellors who understand rural life matters for farmers and their families.
“Rural people often face unique pressures, and having someone to talk to who understands those pressures can make a real difference,” said Ms Pitcher.
“Reaching out for support is an important step in looking after yourself and your community.”
Dairy farmer Jason Cousins, from Singleton, said Rural Aid’s support had reinforced the importance of speaking openly about mental health.
“Being an old-school farmer, you’re always taught to bottle things up and not show emotion,” said Mr Cousins.
“What I’ve learned is it’s okay to tell someone how you feel, and it does give you some relief.”
He said asking for help does not make someone any less capable.
“It doesn’t make you any less of a person to open up to someone. It’s worth taking that step.”
As part of Mental Health Month, Rural Aid is also getting the country moving with a simple dance activity. Farmers, rural communities, and supporters can join in with their team, family, friends, colleagues, or on their own. The focus is not on getting the moves perfect, but on creating moments of connection and starting conversations about mental health. A tutorial and videos are on Rural Aid’s socials.
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families, and rural communities. It delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood, and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support, and community development programs, it works with partners, supporters, and volunteers to help farmers recover, rebuild, and remain connected.
Farmers and their families can access Rural Aid’s mental health support at no cost by calling 1300 327 624 or visiting www.ruralaid.org.au
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au