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Rural Women the Forgotten Drought Victims
E Murray, Canberra Times
June 2, 2005
Rural women are at risk of depression as they watch their crops fail and their families despair, according to a national women's health organisation.
Jean Hailes Foundation psychologist Amanda Deeks said women were often overlooked in discussions about the effects of the drought.
"A lot of the focus has been, quite rightly, on the drought and the economic impact, but we are seeing flow-on effects in depression and anxiety," Dr Deeks said yesterday.
In between helping with farm work, the family business, looking after their families and working in town, many women put themselves last.
The isolation of farm life intensified the stresses. "With that sort of 'get on with it' attitude, where women don't feel that good but don't have time to see a doctor, women tend to put themselves last."
One in five Australians suffer from mental illness and the figures are higher for those who live in remote and rural areas of the country.
Dr Deeks developed a list of tips to help rural women beat depression, including learning to recognise the symptoms of depression and anxiety, such as negative thinking, depressed mood, increased irritability and thoughts that life is not worth living.
She suggested talking to others, keeping a "mood diary", challenging negative thoughts, doing enjoyable physical activity regularly and building networks - even by e-mail - with other rural women as ways of combating depression and anxiety. "Rural women need to recognise the signs of depression and anxiety so they can seek help for themselves and for family members who may be suffering. If you think you are depressed or anxious, you absolutely must do something about it."
Anyone in crisis can call Lifeline on 131114. There is also information available on web sites, www.beyondblue.org and www.jean hailes.org.au.
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