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© nocere.comAustralian officials commented the recent floods to be the most severe over a century.
POST-traumatic stress caused by Queensland's summer of disasters has created a suicide epidemic in farming communities, according to Rural Mental Health Australia.

Rural Mental Health spokesman Mr Pycroft said natural disasters, coming on top of other difficulties like financial hardship, led to an increase in depression and suicide in farming communities.

''Any kind of natural disaster can be a stressful experience (and) whether you're directly or indirectly affected, it can lead to mental health issues,'' he said.

Mr Pycroft said multiple factors contributed to the rise in suicides.

''In a rural area there is a lack of access to mental health facilities. There is also limited education and awareness about mental health isolation also plays a role,'' he said.

Suicide Prevention Board member Dr Martin Harris said people were less likely to seek help in rural communities.

''There is a stigmatism surrounding mental health," he said. "There's an attitude of 'tough it out or you're not strong enough'.''

Allison Milner, from the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, said mental health was not the only reason behind farmers committing suicide. Occupational factors could also play a role.

''They work longer hours, retire later and they can't get away from the workplace," she said. "Most people can go home at the end of the day, put their feet up and have a glass of wine. For (farmers), work is always there,'' she said.

Dr Harris said suicide rates fluctuated with the economy - and at the moment times were hard.

''You get floods and fires and drought and just when you think it's going to go right, you get a locust plague. It's almost biblical," Dr Harris said. "A lot of these guys have got their backs to the wall economically. It doesn't take much to tip them over."

Dr Harris said issues around succession were also causing anxiety, as younger generations often wanted to move to the city.

''Farmers have to sell up. Their reason d'être is taken away from them because they always thought the farm would be in the family,'' he said.

Mr Pycroft said Rural Mental Health wanted to encourage people to seek help if they were experiencing depression or anxiety.

''We want to get the message out that the support is out there,'' he said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety talk to someone. Support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14, SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or beyondblue.org.au.