Veterinary students have stripped off to raise awareness for mental health, appearing in a popular nude calendar.
About 40 University of Sydney veterinary and animal science students are carrying on an almost decade-long tradition with their 2018 calendar, raising money for a charity of their choice.
This year 100 per cent of the funds raised will be donated to Rural and Remote Mental Health – a not-for-profit organisation which provides mental health services to people living and working in rural and remote Australia.
The nude calendar, titled 'Shedding the Stigma' features cheeky photos of male and female students, taken by Meredith Schofield. Tractors, fence posts and even puppies are all used as cleverly-placed props.
And while the photos are fun, the cause they are supporting is serious.
Depression and suicide is a huge issue among vets. Australian studies show vets die by suicide at four times the rate of the general population.
Veterinarian Dr Rosie Allister told Vice in March that there was no single reason the profession was hit so hard by suicide but suggested several factors that may be at play.
"Sometimes there's an expectation that you should be able to provide veterinary care for free because you love animals or because you care about them," she said. This places huge stress on a veterinarian.
Dr Allister said euthanising animals is a part of the job, but its impact may not necessarily be in the way you first assume.
"The idea that has been talked about [in the research] is that [as vets] we see euthanasia sometimes as a positive thing. We see euthanasia as relieving suffering, as a solution sometimes to intractable problems," she said.
"The argument was that – to vets – death is then normalised as a solution to problems."
Those behind the calendar want to encourage conversations among health care professionals - and the rest of the population - about mental health. They want to remind everyone that it’s ok to not be ok and you should seek help "before an issue or challenge gets out of hand".
If you or someone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 131 114, the Black Dog Institute on 9382 2991, or Beyondblue 1300 224 636.
The Australian Veterinary Association also provides a 24/7 telephone counselling service on 1800 337 068.
The 2018 ‘Shedding The Stigma’ calendar is available in pre-sale online.