Half of Australians who need support with mental health wait until they are either very, or extremely distressed before seeking professional help.
Around 7 million people in Australia – which is about 27 per cent of the population – live in regional, rural and remote communities. In these locations, access to mental health support is limited and the issue
of not seeking help is exacerbated.
Knowing that more needs to be done about these worrying statistics, animal health company Zoetis and mental health charity Beyond Blue are launching their 11th annual campaign to support mental health in regional communities.
The Zoetis and Beyond Blue partnership has already contributed $1 million over the past decade to the Beyond Blue Support Service, and the 2026 campaign aims to raise a further $100,000.
We sat down with Derek Schoen – a farmer and champion for Beyond Blue – to discuss the initiative, and the importance of starting a conversation with someone close to you, particularly in rural and regional Australia.
AusBiz: What does a meaningful check-in actually look like, especially if someone isn’t used to talking about their mental health?
A meaningful check-in doesn’t have to be a big or difficult conversation. Often it’s as simple as asking someone how they’re really going and taking the time to listen.
You don’t need to have the perfect words or all the answers – what matters is creating a space where someone feels heard, supported and not judged.
In rural communities, we often pride ourselves on getting on with the job and looking after others, but that can sometimes mean we keep our own struggles to ourselves. A simple conversation over a cup of tea at the local club, in the ute or at the farm gate can make a real difference.
We know connection matters. That’s why the Zoetis and Beyond Blue partnership is encouraging people to start a conversation. Sometimes knowing someone cares enough to ask can be the first step towards a person feeling less alone, more supported and more comfortable seeking additional support if they need it.
AusBiz: Why do you think half of Australians who need support wait until they’re very distressed before asking for help, and can communities change that?
It’s a worrying figure because we know support can be most effective when people reach out early, rather than waiting until things feel overwhelming.
People in rural and remote communities are often incredibly resilient. They’re used to managing challenges, whether that’s drought and natural disasters, financial pressure, isolation or the day-to-day demands of running a farm or small business. Sometimes people feel they should be able to handle things on their own, or they don’t want to burden others.
We also know that stigma, embarrassment and discomfort talking about mental health continue to be major barriers to seeking help. People often keep pushing through until they’re really struggling.
As a farmer, I think one of the most important ways we can change that is by making conversations about mental health a normal part of everyday life. Communities play a powerful role by checking in with one another, creating opportunities to connect and reminding people that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The sooner someone reaches out, whether it’s to a friend, family member, GP or a service like Beyond Blue, the sooner they can access support and prevent challenges from becoming overwhelming.
AusBiz: What unique barriers do people in regional and remote Australia face when it comes to accessing mental health support?
Around seven million Australians live in rural, regional and remote communities, where access to health and mental health services can be more limited than in metropolitan areas.
People living in regional and remote communities may face challenges such as long travel distances, fewer local services and fewer opportunities to access support close to home. At the same time, many are dealing with pressures such as financial stress, weather-related challenges, inflation, cost-of-living pressures and uncertainty, all of which can take a toll on mental wellbeing.
People in more regional and remote areas are also more likely to experience social isolation. At the same time, Beyond Blue research shows many Australians feel disconnected from those around them, with only 28 per cent of people feel part of the community where they live and around one in five people are unsure whether they have someone they can rely on for support.
That’s why it’s so important that mental health support is accessible no matter where you live. Beyond Blue provides free mental health information, support and advice to help people feel better earlier and stay well. Our 24/7 Support Service offers free, confidential counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat and email, ensuring people can access support wherever they are in Australia.
AusBiz: What signs should people look for if they’re worried that a friend, neighbour or family member is struggling?
Often it’s the small changes that people notice first. Someone might seem quieter than usual, withdraw from activities they would normally enjoy, stop returning calls or messages, appear more stressed or overwhelmed, or simply not seem like themselves.
Rather than trying to work out exactly what someone may be experiencing, the most important thing is to trust your instincts if you’re concerned, and start a conversation. Ask how they’re going, listen without judgement and let them know you’re there to support them.
You don’t need to have all the answers or solve their problems. Sometimes taking the time to listen can make a big difference. A meaningful conversation can help someone feel less alone, more supported and more comfortable reaching out if they need it.
AusBiz: How can rural and farming communities make space to connect?
Some of the best opportunities to connect happen through the things rural communities already do well. Making space to connect doesn’t need to be formal. Whether it’s catching up at local sporting clubs, community events, field days, volunteer groups, or simply checking in with neighbours – these everyday moments can make a real difference.
For farming communities in particular, making time to connect isn’t always easy. When workloads are high and there’s always another job to do, social connection can slip down the priority list. But even small moments matter – a chat over a coffee, a conversation at the local footy club or checking in on someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can help people feel supported and less alone.
We are incredibly good at looking after each other in rural Australia. If we can continue to make space for genuine connection and conversations about how we’re really going, we’ll help create communities where people feel supported to speak up and seek help earlier when they need it.
If you’re struggling, or worried about someone close to you, don’t face it alone. Beyond Blue’s Support Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering free, confidential counselling, advice and referrals. Sometimes taking that first step and having a conversation can make the difference.
Call 1300 22 4636, or visit: Beyond Blue
If you would like to read more articles like this, here is our story on screen time affecting mental health in our children and teenagers.