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Australia drought sparks suicides | Australia drought sparks suicides |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Australia's severe drought has led to an alarming rise in the number of suicides among farmers. | Australia's severe drought has led to an alarming rise in the number of suicides among farmers. |
One farmer takes his life every four days, according to the national mental health body Beyond Blue. | One farmer takes his life every four days, according to the national mental health body Beyond Blue. |
The group has called for psychologists to tour agricultural areas to combat anxiety, stress and depression. | The group has called for psychologists to tour agricultural areas to combat anxiety, stress and depression. |
Earlier this week, Prime Minister John Howard tried to address the growing problem of rural poverty by announcing a $263m aid package for farmers. | |
With the drought now in its sixth year, Australia's big dry is the worst in over a century. | With the drought now in its sixth year, Australia's big dry is the worst in over a century. |
Farmers have been hardest hit, forced to make a living sometimes in dustbowl conditions, raising emaciated cattle. | Farmers have been hardest hit, forced to make a living sometimes in dustbowl conditions, raising emaciated cattle. |
With no prospect of significant rainfall before the New Year, the situation has reached crisis point and hope is as scarce as rainfall. | With no prospect of significant rainfall before the New Year, the situation has reached crisis point and hope is as scarce as rainfall. |
Many farmers are being forced to sell up, leaving land which often their families have worked on for generations. | Many farmers are being forced to sell up, leaving land which often their families have worked on for generations. |
Tough reputation | Tough reputation |
The suicide rate among farmers is already twice the national average. | The suicide rate among farmers is already twice the national average. |
Now, Beyond Blue has produced new figures showing that one farmer commits suicide in the country every four days. | Now, Beyond Blue has produced new figures showing that one farmer commits suicide in the country every four days. |
It also estimates that more than 300,000 rural Australians experience depression each year, but only a small number seek help. | It also estimates that more than 300,000 rural Australians experience depression each year, but only a small number seek help. |
Australian farmers have long been known for their toughness and resilience, the very qualities which make them more reluctant to acknowledge any psychological problems. | Australian farmers have long been known for their toughness and resilience, the very qualities which make them more reluctant to acknowledge any psychological problems. |
Loneliness, family breakdown and alcohol abuse are all common in rural communities. | Loneliness, family breakdown and alcohol abuse are all common in rural communities. |
But given their geographic isolation, there is very limited access to counselling and help. | But given their geographic isolation, there is very limited access to counselling and help. |
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