During drought, act now to protect the mental health of Australia’s rural women 

Australia’s relentless drought has the potential to trigger mental illness in farmers and their families. Rural women are at risk of depression as they watch crops fail to thrive and their families despair, according to Jean Hailes psychologist, Dr Amanda Deeks.

It is well-known that one in five Australians suffer from mental illness. The figures are higher for those who live in remote and rural areas of the country. The drought, economic hardship, isolation and a lack of employment are just a few of the triggers contributing to the higher incidence of depression and mental illness in the bush.

In response, national women’s health body, the Jean Hailes Foundation, has called on Dr Deeks for some essential tips to help rural women in particular to beat depression.

“Rural women need to recognise the signs of depression and anxiety so they can seek help for themselves and for family members who may be suffering,” Dr Deeks says. “If you think you are depressed or anxious, you absolutely must do something about it,” she says.

Dr Deeks’ tips include:

Take stock.
Ask yourself: ‘Do I need to make some changes?’
Ask yourself: ‘Why am I feeling so down?’
 

Let it out!
Are you holding-in some anger or frustration?
Talk to someone
 

Call on a mate.
Do you have some close friends you can call on?
Don’t allow yourself to be isolated. Keep talking to friends and family
 

Negative thinking?
If you have negative thoughts, take them on!
 What’s another way to think about that issue?
 

Be active – walking is a great way to let off steam
 

Seek help.
There is great help available out there but you may need to travel to reach it.
With good treatment, through your family doctor, you will most likely fully recover.

If you would like to read more of Dr Deek’s tips, visit http://www.jeanhailes.org.au/content/view/208/362/ where they are described in greater detail.

Dr Deeks is a passionate, positive and articulate speaker on mental health issues confronting rural women.
She is available for interview.

Contact

Janet Michelmore
Mobile:  0411 115 456.

Page created May 31, 2005
Content updated May 31, 2005