Farmers die by suicide at up to twice the rate of the general Australian population and face unique and often compounding stressors impacting their wellbeing. There is a long-term shortage of mental health support in rural Australia. Even when available, farmers are less likely to access mainstream mental health services which may not effectively meet their needs.
Back on Track (BoT) is an innovative co-designed peer-guided mental health support model addressing low mood and depression in farmers designed to fill this significant gap in appropriate mental health support. BoT draws on evidence-based psychological therapy (Behavioural Activation) demonstrated as a safe and effective treatment for depression that can be delivered by non-clinical workers with appropriate training, and is currently being trialled for feasibility in three Victorian farming communities.
BoT includes recruitment and training of local coaches with experience of life and work in a farming community. Coaches receive accredited training in Behavioural Activation (BA), peer worker training and ongoing clinical supervision to support safe practice and ongoing professional development. Farming community members are supported by BoT coaches through a 10-session structured program to develop skills in mood monitoring, identifying positive behaviours, goal setting, increasing adaptive activities and decreasing activities that maintain depression. Flexible session delivery (face-to-face and/or online) allows for personal preference and reduces barriers associated with geographic location, farm work demands, digital literacy and stigma associated with lack of anonymity.
The model includes community-consultation to ensure place-based adaptions in each community and is supported by strong governance and support frameworks.
