Camera rolls for Joe’s story
It was a hive of activity as camera crews took centre stage on a Warragul farm last week where farmer Joe Meg get to was about to deliver an important mental health message for television audiences.
Joe doesn’t enjoy being centre of attention, but on this occasion the importance of his message outweighed his usual private life.
Joe was invited to appear on Channel Seven’s Kochie’s Business Builders after bravely telling his story of his battle with depression in the financial year calendar created by Gippsland Jersey.
The calendar featured the stories of 12 local farmers who had experienced mental health problems. The aim of the initiative was to raise awareness and break down the stigmas often associated with mental health issues.
Kochie’s Business Builders, presented by Sunrise host David Koch, shares information on a variety of topics for small business owners, with a large audience of Australian and New Zealand entrepreneurs.
Joe hopes this particular episode will help others in the farming industry going through tough times.
“My biggest message is to have the courage to take that first step and know that you’re not alone. Once you do, you’ll soon find out there’s a lot more people out there in the same position,” he says.
“There’s that much of it going on. Mental health, I believe, is a serious issue, and out in the dairy industry it is very tough. You’re on the farm by yourself all the time.”
Beyond Blue leading clinical advisor Grant Blashki agrees with Joe.
“Depression is very common. In Australia, we know that each year one million people will experience depression, and for people working on farms there are particular issues,” he said.
These issues include isolation, less access to mental health services, and the pressure of running a small business.
“There is no boundary between going to work and coming home. The pressure is on one person to make it happen, and that is 24 hours a day,” Dr Blashki said.
A lot of men, especially in rural areas, struggle to admit they have a problem and ask for the help they need.
“Men think if they put up their hand and say they have a mental health issue, that it’s a sign of weakness or other people will think poorly of them somehow.”
Although Joe struggled to take the first step himself, he is willing to do so very publicly through his appearance on Kochie’s Business Builders, in case it helps even one other person to do so.
“It’s a massive relief to get it off your chest. I’m no hero, I’m just a normal guy. If you can save one life, it’s worth it. Hopefully one day I’ll save my own.”
Anyone who needs assistance or someone to talk to, there are a number of support organisations including: Lifeline 131 114; Men’s Line 1300 789978; Beyond Blue 1300 244636; Suicide call back service 1300 659467; and family violence 1800 737732.