Mental health awareness needs more work: Kirwan

Sir John Kirwan recommends a daily mental health plan as part of people’s wellbeing.

Kirwan spoke to farmers and rural professionals in Invercargill and Gore yesterday, relaying the importance of mental health.

The former All Black spoke about his battles with depression to 110 people at a Westpac function at ILT Stadium Southland.

He said his own daily plan was to have a warm shower, a coffee while relaxing, and to read, cook and do something active.

The importance of mental health was spreading well nationally, he said. ‘‘The message is getting out there but we still need to work really hard at it because the stats are going the wrong way.’’

People of all ages can be struck with mental health issues, especially youth, Kirwan said.

The sportsman regarded poor mental health as an illness, not a weakness. ‘‘It takes away your self-esteem, takes away your confidence and takes away your enjoyment in life.’’

School children struggling should reach out to their peer network, school counsellor and family members, Kirwan said.

Mark Horgan, Westpac’s Southland agribusiness area manager, said Kirwan was brought south to speak because the rural sector had gone through a challenging year, including facing bad weather that had caused winter grazing problems and delays in spring farm work.

The functions were also an opportunity for farmers to take a break from their properties.

Today, Kirwan will speak in Queenstown and Alexandra. One of the topics in Queenstown will be the Westpac Chopper Appeal and bike ride, which will be held for the 10th time next year.