Leading animal health business Zoetis has raised $100,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service – an initiative to reduce stigma around mental illness in rural and regional Australia.
Zoetis has been partnering with Beyond Blue since 2016 and has over that time, raised $800,000 by donating $5 from each sale of livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches.
Zoetis Senior vice president and cluster lead Lance Williams said Zoetis works closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farming community, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families.
“We are proud to once again be supporting Beyond Blue and the important work they do.
“Through economic insecurity, social isolation, loneliness, and insecure work, we’re seeing an increase in many of the factors that drive mental health challenges.
“Rural Australia and country people are stoic and display considerable courage, however, the impact on mental health has been significant for many,” Mr Williams said.
A recent Beyond Blue survey has labelled increasing interest rates, inflation, rising living costs and concerns about the future as the primary causes of community concern for people living in regional areas and yet many Australians remain hesitant to seek help.
Research shows that being connected to others is crucial for mental wellbeing and can serve as a protective factor against anxiety and depression.
Beyond Blue’s chief engagement officer Greg Jennings said isolation and difficulty accessing mental health services are some of the challenges.
He said social connection remains a key ingredient for mental health and wellbeing.
“We know that half of all people experiencing a mental health condition don’t seek professional support. Many people think they’re problems aren’t serious enough to seek help, or they’ll get better without help, but it’s best to seek support early to prevent issues snowballing into bigger problems. “It can feel daunting to begin with, but the sooner people reach out for support the quicker they can get back to feeling themselves.
“That’s why it’s so important to speak openly about how we are feeling and to look out for each other. A chat about mental health can be lifesaving,” said Mr Jennings.
The money raised by Zoetis goes directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas.
To date, thanks to Zoetis’s donation, over 14,000 people have been able to get the support they need through the service.
“Together we have made strong progress in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year,” Mr Williams said.
For more information about depression and anxiety, visit www.beyondblue.org.au
The Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat or email. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36. Free web chat is also available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat and you can join the online forums for free.
As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.1 billion in 2022 with approximately 13,800 employees. For more, visit www.zoetis.com.
Beyond Blue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in Australia. Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health, regardless of age, background and wherever they live. Beyond Blue works to give everyone in Australia the confidence to speak openly about anxiety, depression and suicide – both to seek support when they need it and to check in with those close to them – and tackle prejudice and discrimination wherever they exist. Beyond Blue’s tools, resources and services create mentally healthy environments. Through dedicated programs, Beyond Blue supports schools, universities, workplaces and community organisations to protect and promote good mental health.
