In recent years, Australians in rural and regional areas have faced unprecedented challenges impacting their mental health and well-being. Inflation, cost-of-living pressures, climate change, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19 have underscored the need for robust mental health support, especially for farmers and rural communities.
Recognizing this critical need, animal health company Zoetis has partnered with Beyond Blue to champion mental health initiatives in rural Australia. Since 2017, Zoetis’ annual activities with Beyond Blue have raised $800,000 for the cause. For 2024, Zoetis has set an ambitious goal to raise an additional $100,000 by the end of the year. Customers using Zoetis products can support this initiative from July 15 to October 31, 2024. For each sale of the company’s livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches, Zoetis will donate $5, up to a value of $100,000.
A Partnership for Mental Health
Zoetis has been a steadfast supporter of Beyond Blue’s vital services, which saw more than 300,000 individuals reach out for assistance in 2023 alone. Lance Williams, Zoetis Senior Vice President for the Australia and New Zealand region, emphasizes that their partnership with Beyond Blue extends beyond financial support.
“It’s about fostering a culture of hope and resilience, ensuring that those facing mental health challenges know they are not alone and that help is available,” said Williams.
The Reality of Rural Mental Health
Derek Schoen, a Corowa (NSW) farmer and Beyond Blue board member, stresses the importance of maintaining hope amidst adversity. He highlights the resilience of country people but acknowledges the toll that repeated extreme weather events and other stresses can have on mental health. Schoen encourages individuals to seek support early.
In Australia, over 3.4 million people deal with anxiety or depression, and nearly half of the population will face mental health issues in their lifetime. Rural and remote Australians are disproportionately affected by stress and anxiety, with accessing services made significantly harder due to attitudinal, financial, and digital barriers. Research from the National Farmers Federation shows that nearly one-third of farmers have reported a decline in their mental health, with weather-related disasters, financial stress, and inflation as major contributors. Alarmingly, close to half of Australian farmers have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, compounded by feelings of loneliness and limited access to mental health services.
The Impact of Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue’s Support Service has been instrumental in providing a lifeline to those in distress. After contacting the service, a significant majority of individuals reported feeling heard, understood, and less distressed, highlighting the positive impact of early intervention and support.
Collective Effort and Community Support
Zoetis emphasizes that the journey to mental health is a collective effort built on compassion, understanding, and support. Lance Williams underlines the significance of small acts of kindness in building a community where mental health is prioritized and stigma is dismantled.
“Every act of kindness, no matter how seemingly small, carries immense significance,” Williams said. “Whether it’s a simple check-in with a neighbor, a supportive conversation with a friend, or a compassionate gesture towards a work colleague, these actions contribute to building a community where mental health is prioritized.”
A Brighter Future Together
Together with Beyond Blue, Zoetis aims to navigate through difficult times and build a brighter, healthier future for all Australians. To date, Zoetis’s donations have enabled more than 15,500 people to receive the support they need through Beyond Blue’s services.
“The money raised goes directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas,” Williams stated. “Together we have made strong progress in supporting the mental health and well-being of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year.”
With continued support and collective effort, Zoetis and Beyond Blue are committed to fostering resilience and hope in rural Australia, ensuring that mental health remains a priority and that help is always within reach.
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