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Lifeline: We need to take care of farmers

Author
NZ Newswire,
Publish Date
Wed, 20 Dec 2017, 10:15AM
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. (Photo \ Getty Images)
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. (Photo \ Getty Images)

Lifeline: We need to take care of farmers

Author
NZ Newswire,
Publish Date
Wed, 20 Dec 2017, 10:15AM

Ensuring New Zealand's farmers know they have support is a top priority for Lifeline, as the organisation is saddened to hear of the death of two young farmers in recent weeks.

"No one should have to suffer through the death of a loved one by suicide, and when it happens in our rural communities, the ripples are spread far and wide," Lifeline spokeswoman Renee Mathews said.

"It hits hard when you hear about young men losing their lives to something as preventable as suicide."

Working and living in a rural environment presented challenges, with farmers often getting to a place where they began to feel hopeless, isolated and under constant financial pressure, she said.

"We need to take care of our farmers, and part of that means making sure they have access to support when they need it most."

Lifeline suggests if farmers are feeling stressed, to ensure they are taking breaks, eating well, speaking to someone they trust, breathing deeply and remember help is available 24/7 for any issue, big or small.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (for under 18s)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds 1pm–10pm weekdays and 3pm–10pm weekends)
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463
Healthline – 0800 611 116

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