At YMU, we know that geography doesn’t have to be isolating. Everyone needs help or support at some point in their life. If you or a family member are going through a tough time, reaching out is a great first step.
The challenges of rural life not only affect you but can also significantly impact your personal relationships. When locally available support isn’t accessible during a time of need or crisis, it can compound already difficult circumstances.
In recent years, online therapy has become an invaluable tool for those living in rural or remote areas. With the growing demand for online therapy, our therapists have become increasingly comfortable with this form of interaction and can deliver outcomes equal to in-room consultations.
While we are well-placed to offer individual counselling, Medicare and other government-funded services also provide support—we’ve included links below for easy access.
If you’d like to learn more about YMU, our approach, and how we can help, please visit our Why Us page. For a full list of our services, our Home page is a great starting point. You may also find our Relationship Counselling, Break-Up Support, or Relationships for One pages helpful for more specific information.
Don’t suffer in silence, and don’t let distance isolate you—our therapists are here to help. As outlined above, there are also a number of government-funded services available to rural Australians in need of mental health support.
Farming is a high-risk business subject to fluctuations in commodity prices, changing market conditions, and unpredictable costs. These financial pressures can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of failure, and in turn can place couples and families under a great deal of strain.
Rural areas have some of the highest suicide rates in the country. Attending relationship counselling with a stressed or depressed partner can be one way in which those who would otherwise not engage in counselling might receive help. It is essential you let us know about any safety risks in this regard when making your booking.
Australia’s rural regions are frequently affected by varying seasons, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. These risks leave farmers vulnerable to the financial and emotional toll of crop failure, livestock loss, or the inability to meet debt repayments. Long work hours, lack of rest and ongoing stresses of farming and running a business, may be a serious factor in you or your partner’s relationship and mental health.
Many rural communities are dispersed, and farmers are often geographically isolated, living far from urban centres. This can lead to social isolation, as people may not have easy access to family, friends, or professional support networks. Mental health services, including counselling, can be scarce or difficult for you to access. This often results in delays in seeking help, which means relationships come under intense pressure while going it alone.
In some rural areas, domestic violence is a hidden issue, and if that impacts on your relationship you may feel you have no safe space to seek help or escape the situation due to isolation and limited resources. If you are feeling unsafe, you need to be clear about this when making an appointment with us.
Many rural communities are dispersed, and farmers are often geographically isolated, living far from urban centres. This can lead to social isolation, as people may not have easy access to family, friends, or professional support networks. Mental health services, including counselling, can be scarce or difficult for you to access. This often results in delays in seeking help, which means relationships come under intense pressure while going it alone.
In some rural areas, domestic violence is a hidden issue, and if that impacts on your relationship you may feel you have no safe space to seek help or escape the situation due to isolation and limited resources. If you are feeling unsafe, you need to be clear about this when making an appointment with us.
Significant changes in farming due to advances in technology, global competition,
and shifts in consumer demand are worrying. You may be struggling to adapt to new
technologies, farming practices, or changes in government policy. These shifts can result in feelings of inadequacy or anxiety about the future.
You might also be concerned about passing the farm down to the next generation.
Succession planning can be fraught with emotional and practical difficulties, leading to
tension within families and relationship conflict.
In some rural communities, alcohol and substance use are used as coping mechanisms for
dealing with stress, isolation, and mental health challenges. Unfortunately, this can lead
to addiction and further mental health issues and severely impact on couples and family
relationships.
If any of the above are impacting on the wellbeing of you or your family, please get in touch so that we may help you.
Focus: Digital mental health services.
What it offers: Head to Health is an online platform developed by the Australian Government that provides a range of mental health resources, including phone support, online therapy programs, and links to local services. It aims to provide accessible mental health support for people in rural and remote areas, including resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Website: Head to Health
Focus: Relationship counselling, family support, and mental health.
What it offers: Relationships Australia provides counselling services for individuals, couples, and families across the country. They offer face-to-face, phone, and online counselling, with many services available to people in rural and remote areas. They also offer programs for managing relationship stress, parenting, and family conflict, which can be particularly relevant for farmers and those living in rural communities.
Website: Relationships Australia
Focus: Mental health support and resilience for rural communities.
What it offers: Rural Minds focuses on the mental health and well-being of those living in rural and remote areas. They offer resources, workshops, and information on how to manage stress, anxiety, and depression in rural settings. They also run programs specifically for farmers and rural families, helping to build resilience and provide emotional support.
Website:
Focus: Mental health, anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
What it offers: Beyond Blue offers a dedicated “Rural and Regional” section on its website, providing resources and information tailored to the mental health challenges faced by rural Australians. Their services include a 24/7 helpline (1300 22 4636), online forums, and an online chat service for confidential support. Beyond Blue also runs awareness campaigns specifically aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behaviours in rural communities.
Website: Beyond Blue
Focus: Financial stress, business advice, and emotional support for farmers and rural businesses.
What it offers: Free, confidential financial counselling and support to help farmers and rural communities manage financial difficulties, navigate debt, and access government assistance. While financial counselling is the primary focus, it also helps with stress management and provides referrals to mental health services.
Scroll down the page to find your local RFCS branch and click to go to their website to access services.
Focus: Mental health research, education, and support.
What it offers: The Black Dog Institute provides a range of online programs, mental health assessments, and resources specifically designed for rural and remote Australians. Their “Rural and Remote Mental Health” page offers resources for managing mental health in farming communities and provides access to online therapy and self-help tools.
Website: Black Dog Institute
