Focus on worker mental health
With Queensland Mental Health Week approaching, agriculture workers and employers have been urged to check in with their mates and look out for some of the signs they might be struggling.
Running 6-14 October and including World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the annual campaign promotes the importance of mental health and wellbeing and aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Living and working in rural and remote communities can lead to unique causes of stress. People in these areas can experience pressures such as social isolation, financial hardship, lack of employment opportunities, and coping with natural disasters (fire, flood or drought). You or someone you know may feel:
- that you have to manage stressful situations alone
- unable to cope and feel embarrassed about it
- unable to manage on your own
- unable to confide in family or friends.
Often, these pressures can have a major impact on your mental health and wellbeing, and you may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression or other health-related issues.
If you are looking to promote the importance of positive mental health at work during Mental Health Week, here are some ideas:
- Hold your own mental health awareness session to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behaviours.
- Get more information on mentally healthy workplaces.
- Learn about the early warning signs that indicate a worker may need support (download our Mentally healthy workplaces toolkit and other information and resources).
- Remind staff how to access information on local mental health services or your employee assistance provider.
- Consider fundraising for a mental health organisation doing great work in your community.
Further information
Find out more about what others are doing at the Mental Health Week website.