Mental health courses for rural professionals

9 October 2013

Mental health courses for rural professionals

The Nelson and Marlborough Public Health Service, in association with Federated Farmers, Like Minds and Rural Support Trust are hosting a seminar to help participants recognise the signs of depression.

“We are targeting rural professionals that work with farmers, so they are able to identify if a farmer is stressed, anxious, angry or sad, which are all sign signs of depression. This way they will be better placed to know how to help the farmer in question,” says Gavin O’Donnell, Federated Farmers Nelson provincial president.

“Rural professionals such as rural bankers, vets, contractors and so on are far more likely to be in a position to identify if there is a problem because they encounter farmers more frequently and in their natural environment.

“These courses are about providing them with the tools to make a difference and I really hope that employers take this opportunity to educate their staff on what could potentially be a life saving course.

“The seminar will be led by a Like Minds facilitator from Taranaki and a representative from Public Health Services. They will be teaching attendees how to communicate to farmers with depression, what information and services are available and how to access them as well as how to handle the additional responsibility and stress of being that situation for the individual.

“No one should be afraid to talk to someone if they think they are struggling but it is about learning the ways to open up the conversation with out feeling pressured or threatened,” concluded Mr O’Donnell.

ENDS

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