Farmer depression is a real concern
It is often about financial concerns, or health and loneliness. Judy Jack
Many cases of farmer depression come across the table of community workers at the Manawatu Rural Support Service (MRSS) .
MRSS community worker Tima Simms said depression referrals often came from government organisations, police, ACC and neighbours.
‘‘What we are seeing is people referring themselves often. They see they are struggling over things in their lifes, and they know us, so there is that trust and they call us.’’
She said there were a lot of health issues in rural areas and people living on their own suffered from isolation and loneliness.
‘‘We are called often to help with people who are stuck with mental issues and financial and relationship issues, family breakups that sort of thing.’’
‘‘If people do have a mental health issue, anxiety, depression and stress, they are the things that come in. We have dealt with a lot of people with depression. We usually refer on to mental health for help for them,’’ she said.
About 50 people braved a wet and cold Manawatu night, to attend a Health 4 Life meeting.
Simms said rural people were also dealing with physical problems, such as pain, diabetes, and alzheimers, as well as well as mental health issues.
The families of these people were often seeking help, Simms said.
‘‘Many are still living in rural areas. Some have moved to a town, but many still live rurally. These are the people we often bring in to workshops and bring in outside organisations, like dementia, diabetes, and it helps big time,’ said Simms.
She said many people go away saying they were glad they asked for help.
‘‘We don’t tell people this is what they need, but rather we ask them what they’d like us to bring to them, we don’t want to waste their time, or ours, so everything has to be driven by them and the community.’’
About 60 per cent of MRSS trips up farm drives are from referrals and the rest are cold calls.
The MRSS was often confused with the Manawatu/rangitikei Rural Family Support Trust, which also helped rural people. MRSS board member Judy Jack, said they did not wait for an event, but instead helped people by going to see them often to meet their needs.
Jack said the MRSS treated staff, beneficiaries and all people in rural areas, the same way.
Support services had two community workers, who visited families, individuals, schools and community groups. They covered northern Manawatu, Pohangina and Halcombe.
‘‘It is often about financial concerns, or health and loneliness, and we get many calls to from people about parenting issues,’’ said Jack.
‘‘We are very privileged to be going into those homes and people do know there are rural workers out in this area and so when a rural worker knocks on the door, they know who they are.’’
Where to get help: Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354 Depression Helpline (open 24/7) 0800 111 757
Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666 -
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email
0800 WHATSUP children’s helpline - phone 0800 9428 787
Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18.
Your local Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
- Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797.
Mental Health Foundation’s free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812).