A NATIONWIDE Deakin University survey of health and wellbeing in Australia’s fishing industry has found fishers are enduring levels of psychological distress almost double that of the general population.
Lead researcher and anthropologist Dr Tanya King said the results of the study were confronting.
“The results show levels of ‘high’ and ‘very high’ psychological distress among fishers – the levels are almost double those reported by the general public,” Dr King said.
Close to 1000 registered commercial fishers from around the country responded to the 13-page survey, demonstrating a 19 percent rate of depression among industry workers compared to the estimated national diagnosis of 10 percent.
“For many years those working in the fishing industry have shared their stories of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide but we’ve never had the statistical data with which to support the overwhelming anecdotal evidence – until now,” Dr King said.
She said 39 percent reported they had been dissuaded from addressing their physical and mental health problems because they felt their GP would not understand the pressures of the fishing industry, while many respondents felt their work was “culturally undervalued” or misunderstood.
“Despite the industry contributing more than $3 billion to the national economy each year, Australians don’t culturally value fishers like we venerate farmers,” she said.
“While there have been some fantastic awareness campaigns and health outcome successes in relation to mental health among rural and regional Australians, and particularly Aussie farmers, the men and women who catch our local seafood have tended to go under the radar.”
Dr King said the health of Australia’s fisheries themselves often came first, rather than the value of the people within the industry.
“It is vital that we not only understand the concerns of commercial fishers but also develop some resources that can help support fishing families and communities when times are tough,” she said.
“Without healthy, happy and resilient professional fishers, we can’t have a healthy and economically viable industry, and we can’t access Australia’s incredible seafood resources.”
If you or anyone you know is dealing with thoughts of suicide or psychological distress, 24/7 crisis counselling services are available.
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
