Drought affects more than land and livelihoods, it affects people.
Looking after your wellbeing is just as important as looking after your farm, business or family.
This page offers simple tools to help you check in with yourself or someone you care about, recognise changes early, and find support if you need it.
How are you going?
Everyone experiences ups and downs. Taking a moment to check in with yourself can help you recognise changes before they become overwhelming.
These questions are taken from the How Are You Going? wellbeing tool created by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP).
How are your thoughts and feelings?
- Doing well:
Calm, positive and coping well. - Noticing changes:
Feeling worried, tense or finding it harder to cope. - Need extra support:
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or not coping at all.
How's your sleep?
- Doing well:
Feeling rested and sleeping as usual. - Noticing changes:
Finding it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. - Need extra support:
Too much or too little sleep, always feeling tired.
How's your connection with others?
- Doing well:
Feeling connected with family, friends and community. - Noticing changes:
Withdrawing from activities or making excuses not to see people. - Need extra support:
Feeling isolated or avoiding people altogether.
Complete the full wellbeing check
Wellbeing isn't just about how you're feeling today. The full How Are You Going? wellbeing check explores sleep, appetite, energy, thoughts and feelings, connection to others, outlook on life, managing everyday tasks, mood, and alcohol or substance use.
Download the full RAMHP wellbeing poster to check in with yourself or someone you care about.
Complete the wellbeing checkWhat can you do?
Where you sit today doesn't define tomorrow. Small steps and early conversations can make a big difference.
If you're doing well: keep it up
- Recognise what supports your wellbeing.
- Stay connected with the people around you.
- Keep checking in with yourself and others.
If you're noticing changes: ask for support
- Talk with family or friends.
- Make time for something you enjoy.
- Contact RAMHP if you're unsure where to start.
If things are becoming harder: seek help early
- Speak with your GP or local health service.
- Reach out to RAMHP for advice and support.
- Don't wait until things become overwhelming.
If you're in crisis: seek help now
- Support is available. You don't have to face things alone.
(All guidance summarised directly from the RAMHP poster.)
Where to get support
These services offer free, confidential support anytime:
Check in on someone
Sometimes the best support is a simple question: “How are you going, really?”
If someone seems quieter than usual, withdrawing from others or doesn't seem themselves, reach out. Checking in early can help someone feel supported before things become overwhelming.
You don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes simply asking and listening is enough.
