Working through tough times
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Years of drought have taken their toll on the mental health and wellbeing of farm families and farming communities, with disturbing figures indicating many are at breaking point.
The importance of knowing the difference between stress, anxiety and depression has prompted NSW Department of Primary Industries to join forces with The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and NSW Health to hold a Farmers’ Mental Health Gathering at Denman on June 5.
The aim is to strengthen farm families’ resilience and ability to help themselves and others, and to raise awareness of common health issues - and how and when to get help.
Organiser, NSW DPI drought support officer at Scone, Tania Chesworth, said improving community understanding of mental health was a way of helping people through difficult times and beyond.
“Drought support workers and health professionals are seeing a lot of pain in people who, under normal conditions, would be able to take difficult times in their stride but this drought has tested them beyond belief,” Ms Chesworth said.
“There is great empathy across the country for the farmers’ plight, but a farmer feeling depressed can often feel that no-one cares.
“With events like this, we bring farmers and their families together for food and fellowship as we provide relevant information on tackling tough times because our mental and physical wellbeing is paramount to getting through this drought.
“We want to convey the message that it’s OK to seek help if you are experiencing symptoms of depression – and to do it before things get out of hand.”
Dr Shailendra Jhingran, a local GP will be on hand to outline how your GP can help, with practical tips to help yourself, family and neighbours.
The highlight is expected to be a talk by Scone veterinarian, Dr Bill Howie, who is an ambassador for the Black Dog Institute.
Dr Howie will deliver his own ‘story’ to inspire others experiencing depression or other worrying health issues, and who might incorrectly believe there is no way forward.
The Farmers’ Mental Health Gathering at St Matthias Denman Anglican Church Hall is free, with dinner to be provided by St Matthias Denman Catering Committee. It gets under way at 6.30 pm - speakers to start at 6.45 pm.
To assist the caterers, people wishing to attend are asked to phone NSW DPI’s office in Scone on 6545 1800 or e-mail: barbara.gilmore@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au by May 30.
Further information can be obtained from Tania Chesworth or Caroline Long at NSW DPI’s Scone office on 6545 1800.
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