A new video series from Adelaide University’s ifarmwell team is addressing the mental health of farmers and the stigma around asking for help.

Funded by the CMV Group Foundation, the five-part video series features stories from farmers who have experienced postnatal depression, grief, relationship breakdown, isolation and the cumulative pressures of life on the land, alongside practical advice from a rural GP about how to access support and what to expect when taking that first step.

The project is part of the broader ifarmwell ‘Weather it together’ campaign, a farmer wellbeing initiative funded by the South Australian government’s Drought Response Support Package, that encourages farmers to look after their wellbeing by staying connected, focusing on what they can control, keeping active and speaking up when they need support.

Led by Associate Professor Kate Gunn, founder and Director of ifarmwell, the project reflects an important shift in attitudes where farmers are more willing to talk about mental health.

‘Weather it together’ campaign coordinator, Adelaide University’s Annabelle Ottens grew up on the land. Based in South Australia’s Clare Valley, she says the new video series presents mental health messages in a non-confrontational way.

“Farmers love helping other farmers, but for generations, talking about their own mental health has been difficult to do,” she says.

“Traditional mental health campaigns often fail to connect with farmers because they can feel too clinical or disconnected from life on the land.

“But through ‘Weather it together’ and the new video series, thanks to the help of these four generous farmers, we’ve been able to put farmers’ own voices and lived experiences at the centre of the conversation, helping deliver messages that are credible, practical and relatable.

“When farmers hear from other farmers who have faced similar challenges, it can help break down stigma and make it easier to take that first step towards seeking support.”

GP support

Mount Gambier GP Dr Justin Gladman, who grew up in a rural area with close ties to the land and who features in the videos, says many farmers are surprised by how common mental health conversations are in rural medical practices.

“Over the course of a day, I’d have three or four farmers mention mental health concerns or that they’re struggling,” he says.

“You don’t have to walk in with a clear idea of what you want in terms of treatment options. Even just saying, ‘I’m struggling’ is enough to start. 90% of the work is simply starting the conversation.”

Suicide prevention

Ms Ottens says suicide prevention remains a key focus of the campaign.

“While farmers are recognised as having an elevated risk of suicide, many continue to find positive ways to cope with the ups and downs of farming,” she says.

“More than ever, farmers are reaching out for professional mental health support, and we’re incredibly grateful to those who have been willing to share their stories to help others.

“By sharing these experiences, we hope to make it easier for more farmers to seek support, inspire conversations about wellbeing within families, workplaces and communities, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

“We believe sharing these stories has the power to save lives.”

To view the videos, visit weatherittogether.org.au/stories.