In a continued effort to raise awareness of mental health in rural and regional Australia, leading animal health business, Zoetis, has partnered with Beyond Blue to support mental health initiatives and reduce the stigma around mental health in regional areas.
Australians in rural and regional areas have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years that have taken a toll on mental health and well-being. Factors such as inflation, cost-of-living pressures, climate change, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of mental health support, particularly for farmers and rural communities.
Residents of Daylesford and Hepburn reported a higher incidence of long-term diagnosed mental health conditions than the Victorian average in the 2021 census. Across the 3460 and 3461 post codes, 10.7% of respondents reported that they suffered from a long-term mental health condition including anxiety or depression. The average across the state of Victoria is 8.8%. The most recent census was the first to ask about diagnosed health conditions including mental health.
According to research from the National Farmers Federation, nearly a third of farmers have reported a decline in their mental health, citing weather-related disasters (47%), financial stress (36%), and inflation and cost pressures (35%) as top contributors. Alarmingly, close to half of Australian farmers have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, with feelings of loneliness and limited access to mental health services compounding these challenges.
Financial hardship and isolation can take a toll on those in distress especially in rural and remote areas. Suicide rates are 60% higher in rural areas than in major cities. Not only are Australians living in rural and remote areas disproportionately affected by stress and anxiety, accessing services is significantly harder due to attitudinal, financial, and digital barriers.
It’s important to remember that depression and anxiety are common conditions, not weaknesses, and with the right treatment, most people can recover. It is vital that people receive mental health support as early as possible to prevent their issues leading to more serious mental health conditions.
Over the past eight years, Zoetis has raised $800,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches.
“Our partnership with Beyond Blue is more than just financial support,” says Lance Williams, Zoetis Senior Vice President, Australia and New Zealand. “It’s about fostering a culture of hope and resilience, ensuring that those facing mental health challenges know they are not alone and that help is available.”
The journey to mental health is a collective effort that relies on a foundation of compassion, understanding, and support. Support can be given in many ways, including lending a listening ear. “Every act of kindness, no matter how seemingly small, carries immense significance. Whether it’s a simple check-in with a neighbour, a supportive conversation with a friend, or a compassionate gesture towards a work colleague, these actions contribute to building a community where mental health is prioritised and stigma is dismantled,” said Mr Williams.
For more information on how you can help Zoetis to raise vital funds to support mental health in rural communities through its partnership with Beyond Blue please visit their website.
For more information about depression and anxiety, visit Beyond Blue. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36. Free web chat is also available from 3pm until midnight at beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. You can join the forums for free and download the BeyondNow app from the website.
If you, or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
This article is based on a media release from Zoetis.
