READER questions are rolling in for tomorrow's Friday Forum about the effect of drought on mental health, on this site from 2-3pm.
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Some of the questions raised so far include:
- What sort of assistance is available and is it hard to access?
- What happens when people don’t want help?
Do you have a question for the panel? You can ask on the day or submit your questions ahead of time. If you don't feel comfortable joining the discussion, you can still follow the conversation and pick up some solid suggestions about ways to get help or to improve your mental fitness.
A panel of experts will join the conversation tomorrow to help answer your queries about the effect of drought on mental health.
With much of the northern part of the State still in the grip of drought, this month's panel of experts will explore ways to maintain your mental fitness in times of adversity.
The panel will look at the mental health impacts drought can have on farmers and their families, how to tell if someone isn't doing so well and what to do, how to develop coping mechanisms and build resilience, and how to provide emotional support during tough times.
The panel will also provide advice about the types assistance available from the NSW government and other agencies.
Younger readers with families doing it tough may remember how their parents dealt with previous droughts.
Nowadays, more resources are available and help is only a phone call or web click away.
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) actively promotes the GP as the first port of call for people who are feeling down or experiencing prolonged stress.
Rural individuals and communities can do several things to protect and promote their own wellbeing.
Being physically active, engaging with their community, spending time with family and friends and on activities can all contribute to mental wellbeing. Being aware of the signs and symptoms that somebody is not coping well can also help you provide assistance to others when it is needed. If you know of a friend or family member who may not be taking their medications as prescribed there are things you can do to help.
Tomorrow's expert panel will include The Black Dog Institute psychiatry team; NSW Rural Assistance Authority acting general manager John Newcombe; Lyndon Outreach Service alcohol and other drug counsellor and educator Joshua Snowdon; and RAMHP mental health officers Steve Carrigg (North Coast NSW) and Di Gill (Western and Far West NSW).
The Friday Forum is a joint initiative of The Land, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and NSW Farmers.
Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the NSW Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511.
