We caught up with sixth generation Victorian wool grower and Beyond Blue Rural Ambassador, Leila McDougall to talk about mental health, and what it means for farmers and rural communities.

How did you come to be involved with Beyond Blue?

Our community in Western Victoria was struggling with mental health issues through COVID and we decided to do something about it. We made a film – Just a Farmer – that told the story of rural life, mental health and suicide. The film went on to win 12 international film festival Awards and really drew attention to this important issue for regional Australia. Rather than set up yet another mental health charity to continue the work, we partnered with Beyond Blue to help expand their services into rural areas.

Tell us a little about Beyond Blue and how it supports rural communities including cotton.

Beyond Blue is a really well known mental health organisation set up to get people help and support before it’s too late. There are two main services that Beyond Blue offers to regional communities, and both can help prevent mental health issues getting out of control and leading to suicide.

There’s the mental health support line, a phone number that anyone can ring to get the help they need. A new initiative is the New Access for Small Business Owners, we call is NASBO for short. This is essentially a service for small businesses including farm businesses that includes mentoring, free and confidential mental health coaching and advice on how to juggle staff, and deal with mental health issues and stress in the workplace.

Why are these services important in rural areas?

We lose an Australian farmer to suicide every 10 days, and rural people are 70% more likely to take their life compared to their city counterparts. The challenges are different in rural communities, and Beyond Blue has recognised that and is increasing support in areas that need it most.

There are growing pressures on farmers. Operational costs are rising while commodity prices remain stagnant, so we need to diversify our businesses to stay afloat but change and unknowns can be stressful. I know it’s drying out across the cotton regions, and fuel and fertiliser costs are rising which also brings added pressure. Beyond Blue is providing essential services to help manage mental health issues in the bush, that can be accessed by anyone working in cotton or agriculture more generally.

How do you feel about the Australian cotton industry raising funds for Beyond Blue at this year’s Conference?

It’s great, we’re so appreciative and we’re looking forward to a partnership that goes beyond the Conference. Agriculture needs to stick together, and support one another through these challenging times we’re all facing.

Do you have a fundraising target in mind? What should we be shooting for?

Any funds raised will make a huge difference. I think your record is $40,000 so if we can get anywhere near that in these challenging financial times we’ll be really pleased. Our support service is currently experiencing a 10% increase in demand, so every dollar counts.

What would you say to anyone in our cotton growing community going through a hard time?

Talking is number one – know that you’re not alone and its’ always better to speak up. Don’t leave it to too late to get help, get help early when things start to feel too much. And if there’s someone in your life or community that you think’s struggling, don’t be afraid to ask if they need help – and then help them! Put them on to Beyond Blue or some other local support. Connections are the key – we all need to take the time to listen to other people and use the tools and support that’s available from the professionals.