As farmers face the pressures of running a business, and withstand challenges like droughts, floods and bushfires, it is common to experience distress, including anxiety and depression.
With a little help, you can employ tools and strategies that support stronger mental health and wellbeing – making you, your family and your business more resilient.
Further down the page is a list of services available to help strengthen mental wellbeing. Click any of the links for more information.
If you are thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If your life is in immediate danger, call 000.
Coalition for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture
In March 2025, the NFF launched the Coalition for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture. This coalition, now with 60 endorsing organisations and individuals, includes farming groups, experts in mental health research and practice, and businesses dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in the agriculture industry.
The Coalition has published a Joint Statement, which sets out key principles to strengthen mental health in agriculture. If you, or your organisation, are involved in mental health and wellbeing in agriculture, reach out to the NFF to join the Coalition today – and help us support our farming communities.
Mental Health Resources
Click any of the links below for more information, or click here for a comprehensive list of resources in your location.
If you are thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If your life is in immediate danger, call 000.
Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia.
ifarmwell is a free online tool kit to help farmers cope effectively with life’s challenges and get the most out of every day, regardless of the circumstances they face.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.
ReachOUT is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia.
Suicide Call Back Service is a nationwide service providing 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
Virtual Psychologist provide hour long pre-booked text counselling services with qualified mental health professionals using a secure IT platform.
The National Centre for Farmer Health supports farmer mental health through research; education; prevention-focused mental health resources including Managing Stress on the Farm, Steering Straight and Campfire; and, support services including a farmer health trained online psychology platform.
MindSpot is a free online and telephone based mental health service that supports all Australian adults experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and difficulties managing the impacts of chronic conditions including pain.
TIACS is a free, confidential phone and text counselling service offering mental health support to farmers, blue-collar workers and those that care about them Australia-wide. To speak to a qualified professional call or text 0488 846 988 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST.
Rural West operates in Western Australia, offering free, mobile, confidential financial counselling to regional small businesses and primary producers. They work with clients to manage financial challenges and industry changes to ensure sustainable futures.
Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling to Rural Aid registered farmers and their family to support their clients through all kinds of life challenges and come with an understanding of the unique needs of rural people. They can support with practical strategies to help farmers refocus and get back on track.
