Close to a third of Australian Farmers have reported a decline in their mental health over the past few years new research released this week has found. 

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report 1 commissioned by Norco – in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, 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. 

The report found 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. 

According to the Report, the top three factors impacting farmer mental health were weather or natural disasters (47%), financial stress (36%) and inflation and cost pressures (35%). 

It also found that 88% of Australian farmers have had their farming operation significantly impacted by natural disasters over the past five years, with an average cost of $1.4 million per farm. 

When asked what was most emotionally taxing about the experience, more than half (54%) cited the financial burden, followed by the impact on animals and loss of stock (39%), and the physical rebuild and recovery process (37%). 

Michael Hampson, Norco Chief Executive Officer said “We saw first-hand the devastating impacts the unprecedented flooding event twelve months ago combined with the ongoing wet weather has on our farmers, many of whom are still rebuilding physically, financially, and emotionally. Overlay this with years of heavy drought, bushfires and now rising input costs across all farming sectors and it’s unfortunately the reality that many farmers are doing it tough”. 

Image: Norco. 

Potentially contributing to the issue, the Report found that more than three quarters (76%) of Australian farmers believe that the role they play is undervalued by the Australian public. They also believe that rural and remote communities are forgotten about and left behind when it comes to public policies and services, with one in ten (11%) calling for more support and funding from the Government. 

Shame in asking for Mental Health Help 

Findings from the Report indicate that many farmers are suffering in silence with more than half (51%) not wanting to burden family or friends with their problems or are simply not comfortable discussing them. 

Image: Lifeline. 

For those who have experienced mental health challenges, close to one in five (17%) did not want to seek or receive help, while one in ten (11%) felt too embarrassed to do so. One in seven farmers (15%) also reported difficulty accessing suitable services in their community. 

David Jochinke, National Farmers’ Federation Vice President said “Farmers are built tough and can certainly endure a lot, but it’s incredibly important that we work to normalise the issue of mental health and give our farmers both permission and a safe space to share their struggles”. 

ABOVE: David Jochinke. Source: National Farmers Federation. 

Norco dairy farmer and crisis counsellor, Ross Blanch, who, for the past four years has been operating a farmer-to-farmer help line established and run by Lifeline. For Ross, he says the increase in calls to this line shows how important it is to reach out for help and have someone to discuss the emotional side of the issues farmers are facing. 

“Farming is tough, both financially and emotionally, but farmers tend to brush off their issues and say they’ll be alright – but it’s extremely important they have someone to talk to who understands and has experienced the same struggles they are,” he said 

“In the work that I do, I help farmers change their thinking patterns and after an hour and a half of conversation and support, they’re different people – it’s a process and service which truly saves lives,” he adds. 

If you or anyone you know needs help: 

• Lifeline on 13 11 14 
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 
• Headspace on 1800 650 890 
•  ReachOut at au.reachout.com 
•  MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 
• Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774 
• Head to Health at headtohealth.gov.au