Australian farmers are being asked to help create an online resource to improve mental health and wellbeing.
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A website designed by the University of South Australia will provide an easy and confidential way for farmers to manage stress and cope with troubled-times.
The review and feedback of farmers will increase its potential within industry and help to address barriers currently preventing some farmers seeking help.
Clinical psychologist Kate Fennell said even though farmers were already very good problem solvers, they may benefit from advice on how to deal with things they can’t fix.
She said the program would be based on a combination of what farmers want and evidence-based therapy.
Research shows that people are able to accept what is out of their control and make positive steps towards a better future through “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy”.
“To date, no one in the world has developed an intervention program based on this therapy specifically for farmers,” Dr Fennell said.
The wellbeing of those living in rural communities is a topic close to Dr Fennell’s heart.
“My interest in this topic has grown from witnessing first-hand the challenges of family and friends in my rural community,” she said.
“I really want this online resource to be something that is useful not only to those already dealing with mental health issues, but is also helpful in… encouraging farmers to seek… help early.”
A commitment of $100,000 was made by the National Australia Bank to create the website with researchers engaging 80 farmers across Australia to assist in its development.
Dr Fennell said it would be different to what was already available in the mental health space as it would be tailored to the specific needs of farmers.
“Our previous research has shown that when two farmers are exposed to the same levels of stress, the farmer who copes most effectively is the one who manages to adopt ‘acceptance’ as a coping strategy,” she said.
“This makes sense given that so much of what causes farmers stress is beyond their control.
“It is why we aim to help farmers learn acceptance by using this product.”
It is hoped that those dealing with challenges in the future may see improvement in wellbeing and the prevention of mental illness through the world-first initiative.
Eligible assistants must:
- Play an active role in the operation of an Australian farming or pastoral enterprise
- Be 18 years or older
- Speak fluent English and
- Have internet access
