Rural
11 July, 2025
Farmers mental health plunges
Australia’s farmers are quietly and persistently dealing with rising financial pressure, emotional exhaustion, and growing uncertainty, which are having a serious impact on wellbeing across rural communities.
Rural Aid is seeing a sharp increase in demand for its services as farming families struggle with rising costs, labour shortages, unpredictable markets, and the changing climate.
Rural Aid CEO, John Warlters, said farmers are feeling the squeeze from every direction.
“From the diesel in their tractors to the food on their tables, costs are up,” he said.
“Labour is scarce and expensive, interest rates are high, and many are working harder than ever, just to keep up.”
While natural disasters remain a visible threat, it’s the compounding financial and environmental stressors that are quietly taking a significant toll on farmers’ mental health.
Research shows that farmers are 59 per cent more likely to take their own lives than the general population. Nearly half have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and many say they find it difficult to reach out for help.
