We know that looking after our tractors and other farm equipment is important and that general maintenance goes a long way in helping things run better (and not breaking at critical times). Letting things slip can create massive problems down the track!
Just like it’s important to keep up a regular maintenance schedule with our farm equipment, it’s also important to do the same with our physical and mental health.
While we know the benefits of having good physical health, mental health can be a topic which can be difficult to discuss, given the various emotions in play.
The term mental health refers to a state of wellbeing that enables you to deal with what life throws at you. Good mental health helps people cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, relate to other people and contribute to their community.
We all have our own mental health journey the same as we all have different statures, or physical features. Fortunately, ‘self-care’ can be tailored to suit our own personal needs. Some people need more sleep than others, some can’t eat certain foods. Some need to be around people to recharge, others need quiet time. It’s the same with our mental health; everyone deals with daily stresses differently.
So how can we get on the hoist and give our mental health a re-align and balance? Here’s a quick check list to help you through times of peak stress, including the lead up to harvest:
The brain is made up of 85% water, dehydration can affect mood due to the role it plays with hormone production and neurotransmitters, so top up your radiator.
We can’t go far without fuel. Sometimes when we’re stressed, we don’t feel like eating or can want to eat more, or crave things like sugar. Listen to your body, and fuel it well, as best you can, to sustain your energy levels throughout the day.
Lack of sleep makes it harder to concentrate and respond quickly. A 10-20 minute powernap can be restorative, just to reset if you’re really running on empty. Similarly, if you find yourself getting frustrated with something, stop and come back to it after a bit, a small reset can make a huge difference to your stress levels.
A quick walk to shut the gate, or a stretch in the cab can be enough to help with blood flow and get those brain chemicals moving.
Some things you just can’t control, and for the most part your neighbours and friends will be in the same boat. Taking the time to connect with others can be really important to your mental health. Don’t forget to check in with those around you, a problem shared is a problem halved.
We aren’t machines, but time and other pressures can mean we tend to try to push through like we are. But we all have a limit to what we can manage and for this reason it’s really important to prioritise our mental health. This can make a huge difference to overall wellbeing on a day to day basis.
For those that are concerned about their mental health, or that of a loved one, there is assistance available.
Beyond Blue
24hrs, 7 days a week.
1300 224 636
Family Drug Support
24hrs, 7 days a week
1300 368 186
Gambler’s Help
24hrs, 7 days a week
1800 858 858
Lifeline
24hrs, 7 days a week
13 11 14
Mens Referral Service
1300 766 491
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
Safe Steps – Family Violence Response Centre
1800 015 188
Women’s Information Referral Exchange (WIRE)
1300 134 130
DirectLine
24hrs, 7 days a week
1800 888 236
Family Relationship Service
1800 050 321
Kids Helpline
24hrs, 7 days a week
1800 551 800
Mensline
24hrs, 7 days a week
1300 789 978
Rural Financial Counselling Service
1300 711 741
Suicide Line
24hrs, 7 days a week
1300 651 251
National Domestic Family & Sexual Violence Counselling Service
1800 737 732
13Yarn
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
13 92 76
Murrumbidgee Local Health District
Farm Community Counsellor
Jenn Pegler (Mobile: 0436 942 104)
Online Support Service
Rural Health Connect
TIACS
Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST
Rural & Remote Mental health
National Centre for Farmer health