What is the impact of drought on mental health and what support is available?

The ongoing drought has been causing detrimental impacts upon the livelihoods of many hard-working Australians throughout the country. The mental health effects of this cannot be understated but it is important to know that support is available.

Drought causes severe degradation to the livelihoods of communities in rural areas which can cause a highly negative strain upon people’s mental health. That is why it is extremely important to be able to have open discussions about mental health. You or someone you know may be suffering from mental health issues made worse by the prolonged drought and it is crucial that people know that help is available.

Below are some helpful resources that can be used to help you or someone you know deal with and persevere through what they are going through.

Department of Agriculture:

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance/social-community-support-services

NSW Government:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/resources/Pages/emergency-drought-relief.aspx

St Vincent de Paul:

https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/News/National_Media_Releases/National_Media_Releases_2019/Drought_Assistance/

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program:

https://www.ramhp.com.au/get-help-now/drought-support/

Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health:

https://www.crrmh.com.au/programs-and-projects/drought-support/resources/