The mental health of irrigators along the Murray-Darling Basin, who have been struggling with drought, is the focus of a new study.
The University of Adelaide is looking at stress and mental health issues, including suicide, in farmers who rely on the Murray-Darling Basin in South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
Prolonged drought and policy changes, such as cuts to water allocations, have caused "major economic, social and personal stress" for rural communities, associate professor Sarah Wheeler said on Wednesday.
She said the study could help inform policies to reduce stresses associated with farming.
* For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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