Liptember: Cost of living pressures hurting rural women

More than one in two rural women are battling a mental health issue, with the rising cost of living taking a toll.

Elnaz Rafiee was only 12 years old when she knew she was struggling with her mental health.

She represents the one in two Australian women facing a mental health issue, and one of the 62 per cent of women living in regional Australia feeling the toll of cost of living on her mental health.

During a particularly bad episode while pregnant, she worried she was harming her unborn son’s health as a result of her ongoing mental health issues.

“There’s no-one I love more than my son. But why can’t I shake this off? I just want it to go,” Ms Rafiee said.

“I know it’s something I have to live with forever, it’s just a part of me.”

A national survey by charity group Liptember has lifted the lid on Australia’s regional mental health crisis, and shows women are carrying the burden of mental health conditions, exacerbated by increased cost of living pressures.

Elnaz Rafiee with her partner Patrick Clarke and baby son Kien. Elnaz said more needs to be done to invest in accessible mental health resources, particularly for women. Picture: Supplied.

The research, conducted by Nielson, surveyed more than 4800 women nationwide between the ages of 14 and 75.

It showed one in two Australian females are facing a mental health issue to some degree, with almost a quarter facing a severe form of disorder.

Depression is the most common mental health disorder for Australian women, according to the survey, with the increased cost of living pressure negatively affecting the mental health of 59 per cent of the female population.

Cost of living pressures are more likely to affect the mental health of women living in regional areas compared to metro cities, at 62 per cent compared to 58 per cent, the survey found.

Ms Rafiee said a number of charities were helpful with providing assistance and support when she needed it, but more funding from governments would better provide mental health assistance for those in crisis.

She said her friendship circle rallied around her, and helped steer her towards seeing a GP to seek help.

At the time, she said she felt disappointed by the level of care, with one doctor suggesting she download the Headspace app.

“Getting help is honestly near impossible,” Ms Rafiee said.

“You can’t even access a therapist without a long waiting list … I don’t know how people are supposed to actually get the right help.

“I remember when the lockdowns happened and they announced millions of dollars that was going to the mental health sector. And that’s great. But are they going to the things we actually need the most?”