October 8, 2007
Sarah Wotherspoon
Herald Sun
More than 100 Victorian farmers beaten down by drought have taken their lives in the past seven years, according to the State Coroner.
Photo: Graeme Mann holds topsoil from his farm near Quambatook which is so dry he is concerned it will blow off his land. (Jon Hargest)
The tragic tally of 106 deaths is revealed in figures released to the Herald Sun by the State Coroner.
And the toll is likely to be higher. Only identified suicide cases closed by the coroner were included.
Beyondblue deputy CEO Dr Nicole Highet said single-vehicle accidents in rural Victoria were also often suicides.
Previous statistics from the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry have put the national suicide rate among farmers as high as one every four days.
Middle-aged male farmers accounted for most of the reported deaths, but three women also died.
The highest number of deaths occurred in each of the two worst drought years, 2003 (18) and 2006 (19).
Guns were used in almost half of the deaths.
Rural counsellors are also reporting more domestic violence and depression among rural families.
Dr Highet said suicide rates were higher in rural than metropolitan Victoria.
"The rate of suicide is still very high, and very concerning. If we also include the number who attempted suicide, it would be graver," she said.
"A number of deaths are not identified as suicides but seen as accidents, so it's likely to be under-reported."
Photo: Charlie Bennett stands on the edge of Lake Hindmarsh near the Victorian town of Jeparit in the Wimmera, birth place of Sir Robert Menzies. (David Crosling)
She said the drought was escalating pressure on farmers and was increasing depression in rural communities.
"We are seeing the impact drought is having on people's mental health and livelihood," she said.
She said there was still a stigma attached to depression and suicide.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Simon Ramsay said the suicide toll was a tragedy.
However he added that awareness about depression and suicide was increasing.
"We are all on notice to look very closely at our members to see how they are reacting and if they are showing signs of significant depression," Mr Ramsay said.
"A lot of the stigma is being removed now, and we need to be alert and aware of how people are behaving."
He said many farmers were very proud, but he urged those having problems to seek help.
Charities statewide have reported more demand for financial and social support from struggling farmers.
Salvation Army drought support co-ordinator Major Lyn Cochrane said families often bore the brunt of drought pain.
"We are seeing increased levels of domestic violence," she said.
"History tells us this is what can happen: people stick through thick and thin, but reach a breaking point.
"There's no doubt there's increased depression and pressure in the bush."
Photo: Neil Healey, District Manager of Southwest of Goulburn Valley Water, sits on the dry bottom of the Sunday Creek Reservoir. (Rob Leeson)
She said the Salvos were supporting people by buying water for families, paying household accounts and supporting community days in small towns.
Businesses relying on the agriculture sector were also being affected.
Major Cochrane said that she expected the Salvos to get busier as Christmas approached.
"The truth is, because the drought has gone on as long as it has, any resources these people had behind them have long gone," she said.
"They just have absolutely nothing left. They have sold everything they could, reduced their stock, and borrowed heavily to plant crops at the start of the season, which they now face losing."
ANYONE with personal problems can call Lifeline on 131 114; Victorian Statewide Suicide Helpline on 1300 651 251; or Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978.
Net link: www.beyondblue.org.au
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22547439-661,00.html