Written by: Nev Alempijevic, Practice Consultant, Rural Alive & Well

Farmers, by their very nature, are resilient and adaptable. This resilience is a valuable trait, but it can also be a double-edged sword. The strength that helps them weather storms can also be a hurdle when it comes to accessing help, especially when it comes to mental health.

From our extensive experience in supporting rural communities, we’ve seen several barriers to help-seeking including:

• Self-reliance where people feel that they should be able to handle their problems on their own.

• Stigma and fear of judgement if they open up about their struggles

• Lack of knowledge of support services available and how to access them

• Practical worries such as time away from work and the costs associated to seeking help often leads people to postpone addressing their health and wellbeing needs.

As we navigate the bushfire and drought seasons, let’s remember that resilience is not about ‘toughening up’ or ‘doing it on your own’. Resilience is knowing when to ask for help. Together, we can strive to ensure that no farmer faces their struggles alone.