A GLOBAL animal health company has committed to raising up to $100,000 for Beyond Blue by the end of this year, as part of an ongoing partnership with the mental health organisation. 

Zoetis has raised $800,000 over the last eight years for the charity and will donate five dollars from livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches this year, with the hope of boosting its contribution to $900,000. 

Recognising the critical need for support, Zoetis said it has partnered with Beyond Blue to once again champion mental health initiatives in rural Australia. 

The company said Australians living in rural and remote areas are disproportionately affected by stress and anxiety, and accessing services is significantly harder due to attitudinal, financial, and digital barriers.

It highlighted National Farmers' Federation (NFF) research, which shows almost a third of farmers have reported a decline in their mental health, citing weather-related disasters (47 per cent), financial stress (36 per cent), and inflation and cost pressures (35 per cent) as top contributors. Alarmingly, the research also shows nearly half of Australian farmers have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide, with feelings of loneliness and limited access to mental health services compounding these challenges. 

Beyond Blue board member, Derek Schoen, who farms in Corowa, New South Wales, emphasised the importance of maintaining hope amidst adversity. 

"Country people are resilient and tough, but the many challenges we face can take a toll on our mental health," he said.

"The repeated extreme weather events we've seen at the start of this year have added to these stresses.  

"I would encourage people to not lose hope and to seek support early."

Zoetis senior vice president for Australia and New Zealand, Lance Williams, said the partnership with Beyond Blue is about more than just financial support. 

"It's about fostering a culture of hope and resilience, ensuring that those facing mental health challenges know they are not alone and that help is available," he said. 

"Every act of kindness, no matter how seemingly small, carries immense significance. 

"Whether it's a simple check-in with a neighbour, a supportive conversation with a friend, or a compassionate gesture towards a work colleague, these actions contribute to building a community where mental health is prioritised and stigma is dismantled." 

Williams stressed the journey to mental health does not have to be a lonely one.

"By fostering connections and creating safe spaces for open dialogue, we can collectively normalise conversations about mental health and encourage help-seeking behaviour," he said. 

"It's about recognising that each person's experience is unique and valid, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness."

Williams said thanks to Zoetis's donation, over 15,500 people have been able to get the support they need through the service to date. 

"The money raised goes directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas," he said.

"Together we have made strong progress in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year."

To support the initiative purchase livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches from Zoetis between 15 July and 31 October 2024, with five dollars donated for every sale up to $100,000 raised for Beyond Blue.

MORE INFORMATION 

The Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat or email. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36. Free web chat is also available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat and you can join the Online forums for free. 

For more information about depression and anxiety, visit the Beyond Blue website. 

For more information on the partnership between Zoetis and Beyond Blue, visit the Zoetis website.