February 2025

Your hives need your health

The incursion of Varroa mite in Australia has come with many challenges, not only faced with new ways of beekeeping it can also affect us emotionally, physically and mentally, all normal responses to change.  

During times of change, it's common to face situations beyond our control. It’s completely natural to feel worried, anxious, or even angry when things get difficult. However, it’s crucial to prioritise your mental health and well-being and to reach out for help if needed. Maintaining good mental health is key to building resilience and for those impacted more intensely, aiding in your recovery. 

Having engaged with thousands of beekeepers since the first detection of Varroa, our observations are that it is likely many beekeepers have or are experiencing varying levels of apprehension or concern.  

Across the nation people will be at different stages of their Varroa journey, and each stage brings a fresh set of challenges. For example: 

1. Pre-Varroa arrival

Beekeepers are aware of the potential consequences of Varroa. They may have participated in workshops, webinars, and talks from VDOs, or agency apiary staff, but still feel unsure about handling Varroa once it reaches their apiary. This uncertainty is not due to a lack of understanding of the workshop material, chemical usage, or Varroa testing techniques, but rather stems from the emotional toll of anticipating its arrival. 
 

2. Managing Varroa

Beekeepers are now actively dealing with Varroa mite in their hives, learning how to manage this new and evolving situation. These beekeepers may also have participated in workshops, webinars, and talks from VDOs or agency apiary staff and are now putting into practice what they have learnt, some confidently, some unsure, feeling overwhelmed by the decisions they need to make to manage Varroa and some also, as with the group above, feeling they are unable to cope with this new situation.  

3. (In NSW) Post-Varroa eradication

Beekeepers have had experiences linked to the emergency response phase. It could involve the emotional impact of the loss of control of managing their hives during the response, the frequent changes to requirements on beekeepers during this time through to the trauma of having hives euthanised during the response to Varroa. 
 

Remember, ff you're not well within yourself, you risk losing the motivation to manage your hives (amongst other things), so for your bee’s sake, take care of yourself! 

Resilience is here to support beekeepers and to help you navigate this new situation 

Resilience Support

Resilience Officer, Jamie, is here to support you; all conversations are strictly confidential. Jamie is Mental Health First Aid accredited and trained to support you with all levels of support.  

Contact Jamie on 0477 544 379 – jamie.perry-meijer@dpi.nsw.gov.au or www.varroa.org.au/resilience.

Wellbeing Services

There are many organisations and services you can reach out to for wellbeing resources, guidance and support. Many of these offer free counselling and support services and can be accessed online or via phone.  

Some helpful places to start to find out more about the support available include: 

Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au)

An Australian Government website that offers multiple ways of searching for digital mental health resources. 

Lifeline Phone: 13 11 14  

Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis can contact Lifeline's confidential crisis support service. Trained volunteers are available 24/7 to listen and provide support and referrals.  

Mental Health Line Phone: 1800 011 511  

The Mental Health Line is a 24/7 service operating across NSW which is staffed by mental health clinicians. Anyone, including carers or family members, can call the line to be directed to the most appropriate care. The mental health professionals operating the line will assess the urgency of the call and make recommendations for follow-up treatment.  

Women’s Information & Referral Service Phone: 1300 888 529  

A free and confidential telephone service for women in NSW. The WIRS can help you find information that you, your family or friends may need including information on many organisations and services available to women. The service operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.  

Mensline Phone: 1300 789 978  

Mensline Australia is a 24/7 telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men's issues.  

Do you know of a fellow beekeeper who may be doing it tough but isn’t on our email listing? Encourage them to sign up at National Varroa Mite Management Program e-news or phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 to receive the latest in Varroa Resilience developments. 

For more information from the National Varroa Mite Management Program visit varroa.org.au.   

Is there a conversation you've been putting off? While time can change a lot, sometimes just a few minutes of honest talk can make a huge difference.

Let's have that conversation. 

Visit www.varroa.org.au/resilience