News
22 November, 2025
Farming better mental health
A growing mental-health crisis in rural and regional Australia is putting pressure on support services, with new data showing almost half of Australian farmers have experienced depression and 64 per cent have dealt with anxiety.
A growing mental-health crisis in rural and regional Australia is putting pressure on support services, with new data showing almost half of Australian farmers have experienced depression and 64 per cent have dealt with anxiety.
Forty-five per cent say they have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and nearly a third have attempted self-harm or suicide.
Alarmingly, one farmer dies by suicide every ten days—double the rate of the general population.
The strain is made worse by a reluctance to seek help. More than half of farmers say they avoid speaking up because they feel uncomfortable or fear burdening others.
Beyond Blue’s latest Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check found that nearly half of those who eventually sought professional support (49 per cent) were already “very distressed” or “extremely distressed” before making contact.
Waitlists, affordability, stigma, and a belief their problems “weren’t serious enough” were leading barriers to early intervention.
Data shows the impact of reaching out: after contacting the Beyond Blue Support Service, 75 per cent of people felt less distressed and 82 per cent felt heard and understood.
CEO Georgie Harman AO said every conversation matters.
“When someone in a remote community picks up the phone or jumps online to talk to Beyond Blue, it’s often their first step towards feeling better,” Ms Harman said.
Farmer and Beyond Blue spokesperson Derek Schoen said the emotional toll on rural communities remains immense.
“Life on the land can be incredibly rewarding, but also deeply demanding,” he said.
“Whether it’s watching your crops go under in a flood or facing another dry season, the emotional toll is enormous.
“That’s why partnerships like this matter—they remind us that support is there, and that asking for help is a sign of strength.”
Against this backdrop, animal-health company Zoetis has marked a major milestone—ten years of support for mental-health initiatives in rural Australia.
Since partnering with Beyond Blue in 2016, Zoetis has contributed $1 million, including a new $100,000 donation this year to help fund mental-health services in regional areas.
Zoetis Business Unit Director – Livestock, Fred Schwenke, said the contribution reflects long-term commitment.
“Zoetis works closelywith rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farming community, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families. We are proud to once again be supporting Beyond Blue and the important work they do,” Mr Schwenke said.
He said the partnership is about more than funding.
“It’s about making sure that no one in rural Australia feels alone in their struggle with mental health, and that help is readily available,” he said.
“Improving mental health outcomes requires more than just awareness. It needs consistent, meaningful action and unwavering support.”
The decade-long collaboration has directly supported more than 17,000 people in rural and regional areas, enabling access to free, confidential counselling through Beyond Blue’s 24/7 service.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Beyond Blue Support Service for free and confidential counselling, advice and referrals via 1300 22 46 36, or chat online at beyondblue.org.au.
