While it has been developed with the farming and rural community in mind, it has a message for everyone and anyone.
And it compliments MHAG’s ongoing campaign to ensure people know that help is available ‘Anywhere, Anytime’.
The ‘Share the Load’ campaign shares resources for farmers, their mates and people living and working in the country to help support their mental health and lighten the load.
These resources can be found by going to www.denimentalhealth.org.au/sharetheload, or by scanning the QR code on page 17 of today’s edition.
Deni MHAG member Lourene Liebenberg said there are a couple of key messages contained in this campaign, which essentially encourages people to seek help when the load gets a bit heavy.
“Unhealthy stress isn’t usually just from one big thing,” she said.
“The impact of tough times on the land, or family pressures, finances and more can all pile up and start feeling like too much to carry.
“People might notice getting more angry or frustrated, quitting activities or avoiding people, not sleeping, drinking more or feeling stuck and hopeless.
“Whilst it is not a great place to be, it’s really common to feel like this.
“That doesn’t mean we have to go through it alone or just ‘tough it out’.
“There are plenty of resources available and steps people can take to feel better or to get the right help. This page signposts the way to options and help”.
The webpage reminds people of helplines that are available and some counselling services that can be accessed free of charge.
The helplines are free, confidential and many offer 24/7 support.
Some helplines also use chat texts if people would prefer to chat online using text or email.
Deni MHAG president Alison Thorne said it is important that people know you do not have to be in crisis to call these helplines or seek help.
“Starting to offload, having a conversation and sharing what you are going through can be a once-off or the start of conversation of talking through what can be helpful or what help would be most appropriate,” Ms Thorne said.
Another consistent message from Deni MHAG is that we all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. One affects the other, and it is never static.
“Just like we can feel physically well and then become sick, the same happens with our mental health,” Ms Thorne said.
“Sometimes we feel more robust than other times.
“Getting help earlier, rather than later, can make a big difference to feeling better, sooner.”
On the ‘Share The Load’ page you’ll find great resources and information about TIACS – a free and confidential counselling service for farmers, tradies, truckies and blue-collar workers. This service also extends to their carers, friends and loved ones.
You can access up to eight free counselling sessions with the same counsellor.
“The Share The Load’ campaign has been in the making for some time and we started promoting some of the marketing materials at the Ute Muster,” Ms Thorne said.
“But to finally have the page up and running has been a great collaborative effort.”
This webpage and campaign has been made possible with combined funding and support from Murray Irrigation Limited, GrainCorp and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.
Deni MHAG is a local mental health charity, made up of volunteers, with the purpose of raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing and signposting the way to help.
“We would like to wish all our supporters, collaborators and community a safe Christmas,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“Please reach out for help if you need support over this time. Go to www.denimentalhealth.org.au/helplines for details.”
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and pathways to help are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
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