ANIMAL health company Zoetis has completed its annual fund-raiser for the Beyond Blue foundation, supporting mental health in rural and regional areas of Australia, raising another $100,000 for the worthy cause.

Zoetis is now on track to accumulate donations totalling $1 million by this time next year, since first engaging with Beyond Blue in its annual fundraiser in 2016.

Beyond Blue supports mental health initiatives in rural and regional Australia, where accessing mental health care can often be challenging due to geographic isolation, stigma around mental illness and financial constraints.

Since this year’s campaign was launched in August, $5 from each sale of Zoetis’ livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches has gone to the Beyond Blue cause.

Zoetis senior vice president for the Australia/New Zealand region, Lance Williams, said Zoetis worked closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farming community, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families.

“We are proud to once again be supporting Beyond Blue and the important work they do,” he said.

The funds raised play a vital role in sustaining Beyond Blue’s 24/7 mental health support services, which include counselling, advice, and referrals. These services are essential for providing support to individuals in rural and regional areas who face additional barriers to accessing mental health care compared to their urban counterparts. To date, thanks to Zoetis’s donation, more than 15,500 people have been able to get the support they need through the service.

Factors such as inflation, cost-of-living pressures, climate change, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of mental health support, particularly for farmers and rural communities.

“The partnership between Zoetis and Beyond Blue goes beyond financial contributions,” Mr Williams said.

“It’s about making sure that no one in rural Australia feels alone in their struggle with mental health, and that help is readily available. We want to encourage early intervention and remind people that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. This donation will help ensure that those living in regional areas have access to support when they need it most.”

Delays in seeking help

According to the recently released survey results from Beyond Blue, Australian Mental Health and Wellbeing Check 2024, people are delaying seeking help for their mental health, with nearly half of those surveyed (49 percent) waiting until they are very or extremely distressed before they sought mental health support.

Top barriers to seeking help included affordability of treatment, shame/stigma and people thinking their problem wasn’t serious enough to seek support.

Almost half of all respondents (46pc) named financial pressure as a key factor in their distress. Housing affordability and personal relationship challenges were also identified as stress factors by 34 percent of respondents.

Beyond Blue’s Support Service has proven to be a lifeline for many. Data shows that after contacting Beyond Blue, individuals often feel more understood, less distressed, and better equipped to manage their mental health challenges.

This year’s donation from Zoetis will allow Beyond Blue to continue to be there for people in rural Australia, so they can access the support they need, whether it be via phone, webchat, or online forums.

“We need to continue to lift the shroud of shame surrounding mental health conditions, so that more people reach out for support without waiting to reach crisis point,” said Derek Schoen, a Corowa farmer and Beyond Blue board member, highlighting the critical need for early intervention.

“While rural Australians are known for their resilience, the pressures they face can take a toll on their mental health. It’s not always easy to ask for help, especially when you’re used to handling things on your own.”

“Partnerships like this one between Zoetis and Beyond Blue make it possible for people to seek help before problems grow.”

“Our message, when it comes to your mental health is don’t wait until things really get on top of you. Let people know how you’re feeling or check in with someone you’ve noticed changes in. The earlier the better. You’re not alone.”

• Beyond Blue Support Service provides 24/7 free counselling, advice and referrals via phone 1300 22 4636, webchat or email at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

About Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression in Australia. Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health, regardless of age, background and wherever they live. Beyond Blue works to give everyone in Australia the confidence to speak openly about anxiety, depression and suicide – both to seek support when they need it and to check in with those close to them – and tackle prejudice and discrimination wherever they exist. Beyond Blue’s tools, resources and services create mentally healthy environments. Through dedicated programs, Beyond Blue supports schools, universities, workplaces and community organisations to protect and promote good mental health.