A local farmer has shared her experiences surrounding mental health and the drought as part of a health initiative aimed at letting those suffering from drought know they are not alone.
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Willbriggie farmer Julie Andreazza shared her story at the Henty Machinery Field Days on Tuesday at the launch of the latest part of the Tell It Well program, an initiative run by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) which highlights experiences surrounding mental health and well-being in drought affected communities.
Ms Andreazza said it was important to discuss issues like the drought and its impact on mental health.
"The drought is difficult," Ms Andreazza said.
"It's impacting us in the way of not knowing what crops to plant, knowing when to buy water."
Ms Andreazza said while there were nerves about sharing her story, she welcomed the chance to share her own experiences at such an event.
"That's why I was keen [to talk about it], there is a huge stigma around mental illness," Ms Andreazza said.
"I think we need to be able to ask for help and to have people around you that are keeping an eye on you and for you to keep an eye out for others.
"Communication is the single most important thing. It's okay to talk about it."
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MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the aim of the program is to help those experiencing challenges with their mental health and well-being reach out and seek help.
"Everyone has a story to share," she said.
"We hope these stories will help start conversations and give people living across the Murrumbidgee who may be experiencing challenges with their mental health and well-being as a result of these drier times hope and encourage help seeking behaviours."
The Tell It Well program is funded by the federal government's Empowering Communities initiative, which aims to support the mental health and well-being of those living and working in drought affected communities.
To view the stories released for the Tell It Well program, visit www.mphn.org.au/tellitwell.
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