Supporting mental health in Queensland’s agricultural sector
Queensland Mental Health Week (5-13 October 2024) highlights the importance of mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.
In the agriculture industry, where isolation, long hours and external pressures on production, alongside physically demanding work (e.g. heat, noise) are common, mental health support is crucial.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t just good business; it’s a legal obligation. Farmers often juggle multiple roles, so it’s vital for leaders to visibly promote mental health practices.
Early intervention, when signs of distress appear, can prevent more serious psychological injuries.
Starting a conversation about mental health can be simple:
- Be ready to listen and offer time.
- Approach with an open mind and understanding.
- Choose the right moment to ask, "R U OK?"
- Listen without judgement, encourage action, and follow up.
- Regularly check in on those around you can foster ongoing support and make a lasting impact.
Everyone’s mental health moves up and down along a sliding scale from positive, to poor mental health or even mental ill-health, and is influenced by a range of things—including the effects of events and circumstances around us.
Prioritising your own mental wellbeing sets a powerful example for your team and ensures you’re able to lead effectively. Sometimes the bravest thing is admitting when things aren’t okay and seeking support.
If you’re struggling, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help—in an emergency call 000 or reach out to the 24/7 support services like Lifeline (13 11 14) who can help.
Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as maintaining your equipment and farm; help is available, and speaking up can make a big difference.
24/7 crisis services
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- 1800 Respect 1800 737 732
- 13 YARN - 13 92 76 - for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Helpful work health and safety resources
- Download the mentally healthy workplaces toolkit
- Register for the Mental Health Week free livestream: Back to basics, how to do a risk assessment for psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
- Download the Serious about farm safety guidance for small to medium sized agriculture businesses
- Information for Agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry