This time it was the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, Dr Simon Banks, who was asked to “consider the impact of the issues discussed, and ongoing decisions and policy implications, on the mental health and wellbeing of our community”.
The plea came from mental health professional Lourene Liebenberg at a workshop with Dr Banks, organised by the Murray Regional Strategy Group in an effort to improve his understanding of how the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is impacting the region.
MRSG is strongly opposed to further water buybacks under the Basin Plan, as they are not part of the plan that was originally agreed upon.
It wants governments and their agencies to acknowledge the community impact of buybacks and work collaboratively on viable alternatives.
Mrs Liebenberg was unable to attend the forum in person, but prepared written comments to share with Dr Banks.
She explained that in the past two decades she has seen the impact of floods, droughts and uncertainty that goes with living in a regional farming community.
“This includes the ongoing issues around water and environmental issues,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“I am sure there will be very few people who will not agree that the above (issues) impact the mental health of individuals, families and the wider community.
“Many factors place individuals at increased risk of developing mental health issues, and mental illness.
“We know that living with constant uncertainty about the future, particularly around things that can impact livelihood, causes persistent, ongoing stress.”
Mrs Liebenberg explained that this ongoing stress is one of the biggest risk factors of depression, and that for a lot of people this includes feelings of guilt, shame, helplessness and hopelessness. Many people struggle with thoughts of ‘I cannot see a way through this’, or ‘I feel like a failure’.
For some it is the overwhelming thought of having to implement significant change, even selling farms and businesses and losing what they have known all their life.
This can bring about a significant sense of loss and grief, and losing a sense of connection.
“Sadly, these are also contributing factors to risk of suicide,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“For us in the mental health space, this is a major concern when we look at our community’s risk.
“On average 3200 deaths by suicide occur every year in Australia, of which 75 per cent are men.
“We also know living in a regional, rural or remote area puts us at higher risk of suicide.”
Mrs Liebenberg said a term often used is our communities is ‘resilient’, but many people are sick of hearing this.
“They feel it has become an excuse for policy and decision makers to do whatever they think is best, as there is this assumption our communities are tough and will survive regardless,” Mrs Liebenberg said.
“This might be true - we are tough, and many will survive - but this does not come without a toll on their health, their mental health and all aspects of their lives, including that of their families.”
Mrs Liebenberg pointed out that she has seen increased use of alcohol as a coping tool, particularly by partners of farmers in our community. The majority of these are women.
“This has been very troubling, as we know the excessive use of alcohol increases risk of depression and anxiety, and ultimately we see the effect of this on the functioning and dynamics in families, impacting the overall wellbeing of the family.
“Please consider the impact of the issues discussed, and ongoing decisions and policy implications, on the mental health and wellbeing of our community.”
Mrs Liebenberg finished her plea with a reminder to anyone struggling with their mental health that help is out there.
“Like I often say to people, counselling cannot bring more water or rain or prevent floods or droughts, but it can be helpful in finding different, more helpful ways to cope with and think about challenges.
“Sometimes just sharing the load with someone can bring significant relief.”
• 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. You can also contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au, and resources and pathways to help are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
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