Youth issues in forum focus

Isolation, climate factors, succession planning, as well as lack of access to services, employment opportunities and recreational activities are just some of the issues that can have huge psychological impacts on young people living in rural communities, especially young farmers.

However, there are steps that individuals and their families can take to lessen the mental health impact felt by such issues.

The Friday Forum panel of experts this month, who can advise young people with worries, include ReachOut online community manager Sophie Potter; NSW Young Farmers chairman Josh Gilbert; Headspace clinician and registered psychologist Barbara Geddes, and general practitioner Dr Michael Ferres.

The panel will be ready to answer your questions about a number of important issues, including how to address issues that young people living in rural communities face; how to recognise the signs a young person may be struggling with depression or other common mental illnesses; strategies to support young people and help them cope with difficult issues; where to go for help and information; recognising if a young person's reaction to adversity is normal, or something to be worried about, and

understanding why some young people don't seek help, and what can be done about it.

The Friday Forum is a joint initiative of The Land and the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.

You can ask questions on the day or submit your questions ahead of time.

If you don't feel comfortable joining the discussion on the day, you can still follow the conversation.