The Northern Daily Leader - Farmers need to be asked R U OK?

SPEAK UP: Kate Dardell, speaking at the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange, said it was important to start the conversation before it was too late.

Farmers can be a stoic bunch and life on the land can sometimes be tough, which is why it’s vitally important to ask the all important question: are you OK?

A number of rural services teamed up to spread the message at the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange.

Kate Dardell from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program said don’t wait to ask the question.

“If you feel in your gut that something isn’t right, ask the question,” she said.

“The earlier people get help, the greater their chance of improving.

“If you don’t feel right mentally, your first point of call is your GP. Treat your mental health like your physical health.” And if someone asks you if you’re doing alright, don’t get defensive.

“They’re just doing it because they care about you,” Ms Dardell said.

Rural financial counsellor Ray Weinert said if he thinks someone is having a rough time, he’ll ask them to go for a drive.

“Once it’s just you, him, the ute and the paddock, you’d be surprised how they open up,” he said.

Source: The Northern Daily Leader