Farming, Fire Fighting

Online resource targets post-bushfire mental health

A new Australian-designed online resource helps farmers deal with emotional trauma after a bushfire

A free online resource has been introduced to help Australian farmers deal with the ongoing psychological impacts of bushfires.

‘Recovering after a farm fire’ was launched last week by the University of South Australia and has been designed by Australian farmers affected by fires.

It is a free, interactive self-help resource which aims to give farmers information and practical tools to help them recover and process after a bushfire.

The new resource, which is part of the ifarmwell website, also aims to help farmers prepare psychologically in case of future fires.

It has been led by UniSA senior research fellow and clinical psychologist Kate Gunn, who says it builds on other free help for farmers available on the website.

“Growing up on a farm myself gave me an insight into the ups and downs that farmers face. When farmers in my community were struggling and wondering where to seek confidential, free help, we came up with the ifarmwell website,” she says.

“The new bushfire module focusses on equipping farmers with practical strategies that are helpful for coping with a range of challenges, including stress and trauma, which are often experienced by farmers who are significantly affected by fires.

“It’s based upon things that other farmers affected by bushfires have told us they found helpful – as well as evidence-based psychological techniques.

“It covers topics such as how to deal with post-bushfire workloads, how to manage stress, anger, and worry; and importantly, how to maintain good relationships with your community and those around you.

“Ultimately, it gives farmers practical tools based upon psychological science and what other farmers have found useful, to help manage their individual situation.”

The interactive module is estimated to take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete and can be accessed anywhere with internet access, including a tractor.

It includes contributions from 16 farmers who have shared their previous bushfire experiences.

It can be viewed by clicking on this link.

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