By Dr Ben Rockett PhD, Engagement Manager with Achmea Farm Insurance, and Psychologist specialising in trauma recovery

*Trigger warning – reference to suicide*

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we stand with our agricultural communities to recognise the vital role of connection and belonging to our mental health.

Farming can be immensely rewarding, yet it can also be highly demanding, bringing challenges that can impact our financial, social, and mental wellbeing.

Sometimes the challenge is too great – tragically, our Australian agricultural community loses a farmer to suicide every ten days. The Australian Department of Health reports that suicide rates among farmers in Australia is up to 94% higher than non-farmers. We must work together for this to change.

Understanding and recognising the signs of hardship is essential in providing timely support. These signs can be as subtle as a shift in personality or energy, withdrawal from family and friends; emotional volatility, including apathy, aggression, anxiety or restlessness; or difficulties in managing daily tasks.

Connection and belonging are vital supports that help us navigate life’s challenges.

If you think someone is having suicidal thoughts, you can encourage them to talk about their feelings. It might feel as though you don’t know what to say, so here are some suggestions for how to approach the conversation:

  • Let them know you care about them, and that they are not alone.
  • Be curious and listen to understand their thoughts and feelings.
  • Don’t blame, criticise, or dismiss their experiences.
  • Offer reassurance that feelings, and their intensity, can change, and that they won’t be there forever.
  • Encourage them to think about today and not get lost in facing the future.
  • Encourage them to get professional help.

It’s important to take care of your own mental health while supporting someone else.

Remember, we are not alone in facing life’s challenges.

If you feel someone is at immediate risk, please call Triple Zero (000).

For professional mental health support, reach out to @SuicideCallBackService or @LifeLine Australia.

About Ben Rockett
Dr Ben Rockett PhD is the Engagement Manager with Achmea Farm Insurance, performing an organisational psychology role to help deliver on the insurer’s vision to protect and enhance a sustainable future for agricultural communities through helping its employees reach their full potential.

Ben is also a psychologist whose practice is focused on trauma recovery. As a dedicated children’s mental health advocate, Ben is deeply involved in community mental health enterprises that support children, schools, and families across NSW.

 

The views expressed in this article is that of the author. This content is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your personal circumstances.