NEW RESEARCH SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES OF FARMERS
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* 1338 Australian farmers were interviewed for the National Farmer Wellbeing Report.
* The National Farmers' Federation says it's the most in-depth research to date on the mental health of farmers.
* Report examined depression and anxiety among farmers across genders, geography, generation and sectors.
* First study of farmers since floods hit eastern Australia.
* 45 per cent of farmers reported thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
* 30 per cent have attempted self-harm or suicide.
* 64 per cent experienced anxiety and 45 per cent have been depressed in past few years.
* One in seven were unable to access the help they needed.
* 47 per cent said weather, including natural disasters, had "triggered" their mental health issues.
* 88 per cent said their farming operations had been adversely affected by weather during the past five years, with an average cost of $1.4 million per farm.
* More female farmers experienced depression during the past five years (51 per cent), compared to men (43 per cent).
* More than a third (36 per cent) of female farmers say their mental health has declined in the past few years compared to one in four men.
Source: National Farmer Wellbeing Report 2023
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Australian Associated Press
