Influences on Farmer suicide in queensland and new south wales

Project Summary

The overall aim of the “Influences on Farmer suicide in Queensland and New South Wales” study is to find out how to prevent suicide among farmers. Current research shows farmers have twice the suicide rate of any other occupational group in the country.

This major research study is being funded by the Australian Research Council.

The study is being conducted by the CRRMH, under the leadership of Professor Diego de Leo, of Griffith University in Queensland.

One of the main purposes of the study is to find out why the suicide rate is so high among farmers when the overall rates of mental health problems are no different in country areas than in the cities.

Earlier work by the CRRMH has shown climate as being a major cause of stress for farmers and their families. This factor combined with the social isolation that comes with farming and changing market conditions were found to also be causes for stress in the farming community.

Part of the study will involve interviewing farmers and community groups to gain a better understanding of the factors that may place farmers at risk for suicide and how help might be given early. It is hoped that these interviews will highlight strengths within the community that can be used to assist farmers in distress.

Interviews will also be held with family members of farmers who have died by suicide, to identify what key events had happened throughout the farmer’s life including leading up to the suicide.

The collection of this information could help health professionals gain a much better idea of when best to intervene to prevent the distress experienced by some farmers.

Collaborating Organisations

• Griffith University
• Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle
• Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health Queensland
• Hunter New England Local Health Network
• New England Division of General Practice
• Queensland Department of Communities
• Queensland Health
• Department of Justice
• Office of the State Coroner

Time Frame

2012-2014

Investigators

• Prof Diego De Leo
• Prof Brian Kelly
• Dr Helen Stan
• Dr Allison Milner