No rain, only anguish.(drought leads to mental disturbances in farmers)

Australian Doctor,  November, 2006  by Ferguson, Heather

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When drought hits rural areas, the local GP becomes the focus for the anxiety and depression of a whole community. By Heather Ferguson.

AS the drought started to hit home earlier this year, western NSW farmer Mark Pickford began to spiral into emotional turmoil. Agitated, losing sleep and with a couple of episodes of uncontrollable crying under his belt he knew exactly what to do.

With his wife for support he went to see his GP, Wellington-based Dr Raj Ishri, to discuss treatment for depression.

"I said, 'I need some of those 'drought pills'," recalls Mr Pickford, ...

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