Supporting those in Remote, Rural & Regional areas

While no one likes it, depression, stress and anxiety are common problems facing all Australians. Each year, about 20% of Australians experience problems with their mental equilibrium to a greater or lesser degree. Given that farming is a very demanding and stressful job and that living in a remote or rural location provides its own set of challenges it is not surprising that many farmers and other rural residents suffer from depression, anxiety or other problems.  Our aim is to be there for you when you just need to have a chat about the place you are at but to also provide a range of support services that will help you through this difficult time.  

What we at ShirePsych can do for you

We understand the sense of self -sufficiency and independence that many people in remote and rural communities have. We also understand that from time to time people just want to have chat about what they are going through. While it is very helpful to have a local support group sometimes we don’t particularly want people in our local community to be aware of what we would prefer to work on in private. As such we can work with you by phone or with email or on-line chat sessions with upmost confidentiality. We also put you in touch with some excellent on-line resources and interactive programs such as MoodGYM to work on such things as depression, anxiety & unhelpful thinking styles. We are also aware that cost can sometimes be a factor in seeking help so use on-line resources at low or no cost combined with one to one sessions as outlined above.

The Mood Gym

The Mood Gym  was developed by the Centre for Mental Health Research (CMHR) at the Australian National University. MoodGYM is interactive web program that helps prevent & reduce the effect of depression. It consists of five modules, an interactive game, anxiety and depression assessments, downloadable relaxation audio, a workbook and feedback assessment. Click here to access MoodGYM It is available to you at absolutely no cost.

Other Resources that might be of assistance to you

Bush Crisis Line and Support Services        1800 805 391 (24 hour support for rural health practitioners and their families)

Centrelink (Info on all govt. benefits)             13 61 50

Centrelink Drought Assistance Line             13 23 16

Centrelink Farmer Assistance Line              1800 050 585

Checklists to Identify Depression and anxiety

Farmers: Talk about your worries by the Better Health Channel Download the PDF

You might also be interested in the following Better Health Channel fact sheets:

·         Rural issues - coping with stress.

·         Rural issues - losing the farm.

·         Rural issues - stress management.

·         Rural issues - suggestions for families in crisis.

·         Work-related stress.

·         Rural issues - alcohol and depression.