Several years ago, Dervla Loughnane, a psychologist with more than 20 years’ experience, was called to a school because a student had committed suicide. Going through the student’s phone, Loughnane realised that he had not contacted anyone before ending his life. That was why she set up Virtualpsychologist — a 24/7 counselling service provided over

After a concerted effort over a number of months, and in the face of increasing desperation by landholders facing relentless drought, the federal government has announced it will provide $1m for the Aussie Helpers Virtual Psychologist counselling service. The announcement was the only one made by Malcolm Turnbull during his drought listening tour to parts

Country psychologists are in no doubt there is an unequivocal link ­between the drought and increases in suicide, suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety. It usually happens on Sundays or late at night, according to psychologist Dervla Loughnane, who helped Mr Germon mend himself emotionally. She said those times are when farmers have the most time