“Farmers are very adept problem-solvers and while this is a great quality to have in a practical sense, they can tend to ‘tough it out’ when it comes to their mental health, rather than reaching out for support from others,” said University of South Australia (UNiSA) researcher Dr Donna Hugh-Barton. 

The suicide rate is twice as high among farmers than it is in other professions, according to the UniSA, yet farmers are half as likely to visit a medical professional about their health. 

This intractable problem is the subject of a new study launched by UNiSA on 4 April asking farmers themselves what they need in terms of mental health support. 

Angus Patrick grew up on his family property in the Gulargambone district and now works as a teacher.

He says the isolation of life on the farm can catch up to you.

“I know exactly what it is like living on a big property 50 kilometers outside of town. You get used to being isolated. But if you’re not reflecting on what’s wrong, you start to develop bigger problems later in life.”

Angus Patrick IMAGE: RAMPH

The temperamental nature of working in a job that is heavily reliant on the weather and markets can cause farmers to suffer, according to coordinator Gabrielle Schultz from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) which operates in the western plains region.

“The challenges of being a farmer are all the big issues like disasters, weather events, and fluctuating market," she said.

"On top of that people are dealing with personal problems for example health issues, grief, loss, relationship breakdowns, and financial stress.”

Part of the RAMHP Coordinator's role is to share information about mental health services available to people in rural areas. 

Many of the service providers hail from regional and remote areas themselves which allows them to establish a connection with the farming community. 

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mental health care in the farming community, however, Schulz said a common solution is finding someone to relate to.

“What people want can be really different and can change throughout time but what has been consistent, in my experience, is finding someone to share a genuine connection.”

Mr Patrick said conventional questions we ask to check in on a loved one can cause farmers to close up.

“Farmers are so used to hearing that line ‘Are you okay?’ that I think, at times, it can frustrate them. They don’t want to talk because the question is directed at them. I think revising what’s being asked, can sometimes be more helpful.”

Dr Donna Hughes-Barton

Patrick suggested reframing the question to, “I can see that you’re struggling. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Before helping someone else, Patrick said the most important message is to help yourself first.

“Everybody seems to look after each other before they actually look after themselves. Of course, check in with everybody else. But making sure that you’re in the right frame of mind first.”

Ms Schultz says that many farmers prefer telehealth services because of the flexibility they offer.

“They don’t need to travel, and they can contact them at a time that suits them best.” 

When Patrick’s father spoke about the impact the drought had on him, he said the best thing he could do was to reassure him that he was not alone.

“He needed the reassurance that he wasn’t alone. I think he thought that it was just him.”

Links to the RAHMP program are provided here. 

Farmers can support the study to improve mental health services for farmers by filling out the anonymous survey from UniSA here.