Initial results from a survey on the well-being of women in rural areas show financial stress and time pressure are key reasons women feel anxious or depressed.
The survey was conducted by Rural Women New Zealand. It was the first such study since a survey of more than 100 women in 2006 found post-natal depression and a feeling of isolation were common.
Rural Women said a majority of responses this time show people are feeling anxious because of financial stress and depressed because of family problems.
Executive officer Noeline Holt said public campaigns to get people to open up about depression have given more women in rural areas the confidence to speak out.
Rural Women will help advocate for more support in problem areas.
