The idea of the ideal Australian as a resilient larrikin who can tame the harsh landscape dates back to classic Australian poetry (think Banjo Patterson), and was partly solidified on the world stage during the First World War. Many Aussies pride themselves on this image of the resourceful bushman who can take care of themselves and anyone else who comes along. We were so isolated from the rest of the world, it paid to be self-reliant.

Nobody better personifies this image today than people living in remote or rural Australia.

It’s a romantic image with one problem: It leaves no room for vulnerability. Particularly stoic people might not even allow themselves to consider the possibility that they might be struggling with their emotions. There is a perception that people should be able to work through their own problems. You might fear that, if you reach out for help, people will see you as a “whinger” and mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or stress can be viewed as made-up concepts from people not strong enough to work through their problems and “just get on with it”.

Unfortunately, this means that the suicide rate in rural and remote Australia is almost twice that of major cities. Let that sink in a moment; There is a mental health crisis being left untreated in rural Australia. We need to ask ourselves why this is the case and what we can do to change it. What is stopping people from seeking help?

For many people struggling to cope, the solution can seem worse than the problem. The social stigma associated with seeing a psychologist can mean that they just don’t see it as an option for them.

Further adding to the problem, if you’re someone who wants to find help, there may be a serious lack of places to go. Psychologists are rare in the country and those who operate there may be unsuitable to provide treatment to you. Small towns often have a tight-knit community, meaning that many clients may know their psychologist outside of their therapeutic relationship. Additionally, many people in such areas report a perceived lack of confidentiality, due to the tight-knit community.

Loneliness and social isolation can be a problem at the best of times for people living in remote and rural Australia, but with the current restrictions in place across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even visiting friends and relatives is likely off the cards.

For all of these reasons, some people can feel like they are all alone with their problems without the skills or a clear idea of how to overcome them. This is exactly the time to be seeking-help. Self-reliance and a practical approach to solutions are admirable qualities, however, these attributes don’t always translate to effective means of dealing with mental health problems, and may in fact be harmful.

One of our species’ greatest strengths is our ability to work together. No single one of us can be expected to do everything on our own, and so much more can be achieved when we support each other. Psychological therapy is so much more than two people talking; it’s evidence-based treatment with clear skill-building to help you improve your life. Seeking help from a qualified professional who specialises in providing support and guiding people through their most difficult times could be the best thing for you.