We reckon team sport is one of the best things we can do for health and happiness, so why not make an event of it?

Eighty players joined Macintyre Ag Alliance for a glorious afternoon at our community golf day last month, in aid of mental health and wellbeing.

The day was funded by Australia Post and the Australian Government, and supported by SQ Landscapes, Growth Agriculture, and Rabobank, while StockCo and IOR Rural, donated prizes to winning teams.

Rural Sky’s Kath Johnstone gave a presentation on behalf of Wesley Mission Queensland on community health and wellbeing, speaking about signs to look out for of someone not coping, self-care tips, and where to seek support.

Charmaine Mullins and Gillian Billsborough had advice and resources from Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, including the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale, the Prostate Symptom Score, and support from Queensland Health, while Nicole Gamack from Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Qld spoke to farmers about the QRIDA Drought Preparedness Grants.

Kath Johnstone said the ABS reports that in any given year around three million people in Australia experience the most common mental health conditions of anxiety or depression, while every day an average of eight people take their own lives.

“Some great tips to exercise your mental health include doing acts of kindness, practicing gratitude and mindfulness, spending time in green spaces, developing a passion, connecting with positive people, and laughing,” she said.

Wesley Mission Queensland’s practical tips for self care include healthy routines and diet, good sleep hygiene, staying active, doing what makes you feel good at least once a day; practicing mindfulness; writing down things you are grateful for, and maintaining boundaries between “work” and “home”.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Physical- muscle pain, tightening of the chest, racing heart, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, shortness of breath
Feeling- overwhelmed, fearful, something bad is going to happen, panic
Thinking- I am going crazy, I cannot control myself, people judging me, constant worry, unwanted intrusive thoughts
Behavioral- Avoiding situations and tasks, difficulty making decisions, poor concentration, reliance on drugs and alcohol, compulsive behaviour

Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Physical- Tired all the time, difficulty sleeping, significant weight loss/gain, sick and run down
Feeling- unhappy, overwhelmed, unmotivated, irritable, indecisive,
Thinking- I am a failure, It’s my fault, I am worthless, life is not worth living
Behavioral- Unable to concentrate, not getting things done, withdrawal, taking lots of days off, relying on drugs and alcohol