By SONJA KOREMANS
ONE stressful event can be all it takes to trigger severe depression.
Illness, financial hardship or a relationship breakdown can have a snowball effect and rob anyone of a healthy outlook on life, regardless of their lifestyle, age, marital status or background.
But the odds of experiencing depression are much higher for those living in rural communities.
Isolation, drought, and difficulty accessing mental health services are some of the challenges faced by regional families.
Former Meat and Lifestock Australia chairman Robert Anderson and wife Julie hope that sharing their family’s rollercoaster ride with mental health issues will help others.
The couple will speak at a free mental health workshop in Tenterfield next month as part of the Australian Government’s drought assistance package.
Mr Anderson, who ran a successful farming business for 25 years, left the land after economic factors and family illness, including chronic depression, forced the couple to build a new life.
“We experienced all the ups and downs of droughts and floods, while fluctuating markets made life on the land a constant juggle,” Mr Anderson said.
“And three years ago, Julie and I made the tough decision to sell up the family property and move to Tamworth.”
Drought is just one of many factors that can put people on the land at risk of depression, but the illness often has no obvious triggers, Mr Andreson said.
Both he and Julie have found new jobs and happiness in the city, and want to share their learnings with others facing similar challenges.
The Building Resilience workshop is open to anyone to attend.
It will feature guest speakers and short life skill workshops.
It is on from 9.45am – 3pm on 12 June at the Best Western Motel, Tenterfield. Morning tea and lunch are provided.
RSVP by 10 June to lucyf@acsdarm.org.au or call 0407 005 100.
