At the University of South Australia (UniSA) our mental health researchers are tackling the critical frontline issues and delivering enterprising solutions.
From prevention, through to complex and acute responses designed for people in crisis – right up to the point of care, our work spans the whole spectrum.
One of these researchers is Dr Kate Gunn whose inspiring work is already having meaningful impact.
Australian farming communities are continually exposed to challenges associated with drought, fires, floods, disease, increasing costs and wavering produce prices, as well as a poor understanding of their industry from those outside of it.
The inability to control these stressors and the sense of hopelessness and entrapment this may cause, is a potential risk factor for rural male suicide. In fact, there is a higher incidence of suicide among farming populations.
Due to their geographic remoteness, farmers have reduced access to professional support. They are often also reluctant to seek out these services for a variety of reasons, including stoicism, stigma, inability to leave the farm and concerns about privacy.
UniSA Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Rural Health, Dr Kate Gunn, has created a new website to equip farming families with tools that reduce the negative impact that these sorts of stressful situations have on their lives.
Dr Gunn’s work over the past 10 years - comprehensively examining rural mental health issues - has been fundamental to the development of the ifarmwell website (www.ifarmwell.com.au), an innovative new online resource specially tailored to the needs of rural communities.
The website was inspired by Dr Gunn’s personal experiences growing up on a South Australian farm, and is informed by her professional work as a Clinical Psychologist and through extensive consultation with Australian farmers.
Feedback received from farmers and industry partners is that this website is particularly valued as it was created with farmers, for farmers, is confidential, relevant, accessible, and is free.
Testimonials highlight that the website is meaningful, gives users hope, provides distance from overwhelming thoughts and feelings, as well as strategies to make the most of their lives - despite the challenges they may face.
The UniSA Mental Health Research Fund has been established to source more support for our key researchers to address current mental health challenges. To learn more about UniSA’s Enterprising Minds for Mental Health and our research click here.
If you or anyone you know needs help please contact
When you give today, 100% of your donation will go directly to UniSA's mental health researchers - with no admin fees or hidden costs.
At UniSA, our researchers are dedicated to helping people who strive to live a better life. Join us in making mental health a priority by donating to the UniSA Mental Health Research Fund today.
Contact the Advancement team on +61 8 8302 7375 or email us
UniSA respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations Peoples and their Elders past and present, who are the First Nations’ Traditional Owners of the lands that are now home to our campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla.
ARTWORK: Ngupulya Pumani
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