Living off the land and farming your own property can be very rewarding however mental health rates in male farmers are upsetting.
Farming has a unique set of pressures, with farmers being more likely to suffer from depression caused by financial pressures and isolation while unfortunately, suicide rates are higher in male farmers than the general population and non-farming rural males.
According to the National Farmers Federation close to a third (30%) of Australia’s hard-working farmers have reported a decline in their mental health over the past few years.
The National Farmer Wellbeing Report found that in recent years, 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.
Even more devastating, 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 data from the National Farmer Wellbeing Report adds to existing bodies of research which found that one farmer commits suicide every 10 days and Australian farmers are twice as likely to commit suicide when compared to the general population.
More than a quarter of farmers (27%) say feelings of loneliness or isolation, combined with limited access to mental health services have had the biggest impact on their mental health over the past five years.
This is why the ‘Unbreakable Farmer’ Warren Davies began his keynote speaking.
Warren will be hosting an event tonight, Wednesday, March 28 at the Tungamah Recreation Reserve, to shed light on his personal journey through mental health challenges with the event aiming to highlight the significance of support networks and accessing professional assistance.
Warren who is a keynote speaker, mental health advocate, farmer, father and friend made the life-changing decision to move to the country and to pursue his father’s dream of becoming a farmer 42 years ago however the harsh reality of being a farmer soon became very evident with high interest rates, low commodity prices, floods and drought all having an impact, most significantly, on his mental health.
Various support services including Yarrawonga Health, AgriSafe Clinic, and NCN Health will be available throughout the event to offer support and assistance.
Attendees can enjoy a free dinner at starting from 7pm before Warren takes the stage for a 45 to 60-minute presentation starting at 7:30 pm.
For inquiries, please reach out to the Flood Recovery Team at Moira Shire Council on 03 5871 9222.