** Trigger warning ** This episode contains conversations about suicide, so if you need resources or support go to beyondblue.org or for 24 hour free counselling in Australia, the number for Lifeline is 13 11 14.
A childhood on her family farm at Streaky Bay on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula combined with a career as a Clinical Psychologist has given my guest today unique insight into mental health challenges in remote areas and how to address them. Farmers within her own community have reached out seeking accessible ways to help prevent and manage the stress that comes with life on the land. Dr Kate Gunn answered by founding the online platform 'ifarmwell'. Her work in the space has earned her the 2022 Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research as part of the Farmer of the Year Awards. Dr Kate Gunn joins me now.
- Dr Kate Gunn grew up on the land and shares her favourite place on her family's farm.
- From a young age Kate knew she wanted to help people so she became a clinical psychologist.
- Merging two prominent areas of her life, mental health and agriculture, has been very rewarding for her.
- Dr Kate Gunn shares some of the statistics around mental health in the bush compared with other areas.
- To help combat these statistics, Dr Kate Gunn founded ifarmwell https://ifarmwell.com.au/
- The specific strategies within the ifarmwell programs to help individuals.
- Using regular, down to earth language, text message reminders and relatable examples like, separating your thoughts into different paddocks.
- Being recognised for her work with the 2022 Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research as part of the Farmer of the Year Awards and, what this meant to Kate.
- Kate's top tip for anyone listening thinking they might benefit from some help.
- What Kate loves most about working in this field and the people she meets.
- The most unexpected thing to happen to her in her career.
- The most common misconception about being a clinical psychologist.
We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.
Links:
Angie Asimus
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ifarmwell
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