Rural mental health: There in the tough times

Bay farmer Paul Renton died suddenly earlier this year.

The sudden death of 2017 Hawke's Bay Farmer of the Year, Paul "Butch" Renton last month rocked the rural community and has put the health and wellbeing of our farmers under the spotlight.

One source of assistance available to farmers is the Hawke's Bay Rural Support Team. Below, coordinator Lon Anderson explains what the trust can do to help.

Over the past month or two, the Hawke's Bay Rural Support Team have been steadily busy providing support and a helping hand to a number of farmers who have been in need of assistance.

The role of the Rural Support Trust is to assist farmers who are not coping so well and to realise that they need help.

There is a trust operating in every region of New Zealand, each with its own coordinator and a team of facilitators.

The Rural Support Trusts are charitable but in the main are government-funded, so our major stakeholder is the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The cold and wet winter months seem to add to the stress of a farming business, which often leads to family tensions and attitudinal changes.

We can be approached for many different reasons, including financial concerns, major farm management decisions, adverse climatic events, employment disputes and, more importantly, issues around health and wellbeing.

Whatever the matter, there is inevitably a stress period involved and if left over time, will lead onto anxiety and depression.

In addition, our team can provide mentoring, act as advocates and negotiate to find solutions.

Our team has many skills but we also have a wide ranging network of specialists who we call upon to assist where necessary.

In some cases just a chat is therapeutic enough and is all that is needed.

Clearly the health and wellbeing of our farmers is of paramount importance, and with the seemingly increasing pressures being built up and created by droughts, floods, fire, debt and declining markets, eventually even the best of our hardy farmers will struggle.

The Rural Support team encourages everyone to be aware, and look for any negative changes in the way their friends and neighbours are acting and feeling.

There are many things to look for too numerous to mention, but dealing with a potentially serious outcome early is the mark of success for all concerned. It is not only farmers looking out for their own, but we also need our rural professionals to communicate with us as well.

One of the biggest hurdles in respect to health and wellness is denial. Farmers can be stubborn and as we all know, they look after their livestock and crops better than they look after themselves.

When the business is struggling, invariably so is the farmer.

It is important to know that all matters involving the Rural Support Trust Team are held in strictest confidence, and there is no cost for our service.

The Hawke's Bay Rural Support Team of Gretchen Parkes, Brent Paterson and David Todd and myself can be contacted on 0800 787 254 any time.

Lon Anderson
Hawke's Bay Coordinator
East Coast Rural Support Trust
GET HELP

Where to get help
* Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254
* Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7).
* Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO), available 24/7).
* Youthline: 0800 376 633.
* Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7).
* Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm).
* Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7).

*If it is an emergency and you feel you or someone else is at risk, call 111.