Deliverance
OPINION: Rural services such as banks, health and postal services have been declining for years, so this mutt was tickled pink to hear Rural Women NZ on national TV slamming the impact of post office closures in rural areas.
Rural Women NZ executive officer, Noeline Holt, says, "We encourage rural people to take part, to build up a clear picture of what contributes to their anxiety or depression, and what helps them overcome it. This will help us in our advocacy role, as well as providing practical support."
The latest survey updates Rural Women NZ's 2006 survey, and aims to find out if there have been any significant changes or emerging trends.
Rural Women NZ welcomes the support of agricultural-based organisations such as Federated Farmers and Dairy Women's Network for the Feeling Rotten Survey. The organisations will meet next week to work on collaborative action to reduce the debilitating harm anxiety and depression causes.
Early responses to the survey indicate most people feel anxious due to financial stresses. This is followed by time pressures and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
When it comes to depression, family problems are showing up as a major contributing factor, with abusive situations playing a part. This is followed by post-natal depression and work stresses leading to depression.
"On a positive note, people are telling us that friends and counselling services have an important role to play in helping them through difficult times," Holt says
"This is encouraging, as Rural Women recently gave a significant sum of money to provide counselling services in rural Canterbury to those affected by the earthquakes. It indicates we are on the right track."
People who have not suffered from anxiety or depression, or who have overcome it, and ways in which they have done that, are also welcome to participate.
The 'Feeling Rotten' survey closes on February 21, when further results will be published.
To complete the survey go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Feeling_Rotten.
