Social Connection and Community Support for Farmers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing
Tracks
Ballroom A - In Person Only
Thursday, November 10, 2022 |
1:20 PM - 1:40 PM |
Overview
Micaela Riethmuller, Curtin University
Speaker
Miss Micaela Riethmuller
Phd Student
Curtin University
Social Connection and Community Support for Farmers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing
Abstract
Farmers face significant challenges such as variability in weather, unpredictable commodity markets, and increasing isolation as rural community populations decline. Farming is a unique occupation whereby farmers face similar challenges together and often share knowledge and experiences to help one another succeed. The community built around farming provides social connection and support which is important when considering the impact such a stressful occupation can have on mental health. Western Australia is a geographically diverse area and major contributor to Australia’s agricultural production, however the specific challenges and resources associated with farmers’ mental health have not been examined. This qualitative research study adopted a social constructionist epistemology to explore the main risk and protective factors for the mental health of farmers in Western Australia. Sixteen farmers (37% female; 28-64 years old, M=41.75 years) and thirteen service providers (38% female, 27-64 years of age M= 47.23) participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings suggest that the main supports for farmers’ mental health come from social connections and communication. Our findings indicate that a bottom-up approach to community support is needed when addressing mental health concerns. Lack of available professional services in rural areas results in communities finding their own ways to cope and support one another. Informal mental health community groups and events were found to be a vital part of reducing stigma, encouraging discussions of mental wellbeing and building resilience. Informal groups and events can also act as a preventative measure to intercept those who may need more intense intervention if not supported early. These findings highlight the importance of building community awareness and mental health literacy are vital to support farming communities.
Biography
Micaela Riethmuller is a PhD student and sessional academic at Curtin University. Having grown up in a regional town she is interested in the wellbeing of farming communities. She has published work on place attachment and young people’s return to country areas. Using a mixed methods approach Micaela’s PhD aims to investigate the risk and protective factors for Western Australian farmers mental health. Through qualitative interviews and a longitudinal online survey. Community involvement is an important part of this research project and Micaela is working with a community advisory committee for the survey development and to disseminate the findings.