Talking to friends can help you through the dark days
Anyone experiencing mental health issues should talk to friends and their doctor was the message delivered at the Poowong Football and Netball Club recently.
Mental health advocate and local dairy farmer Joe Meggetto was guest speaker at the club’s life members’ and sponsors’ dinner.
Speaking of his personal journey, Joe said it took him years before he finally talked to his local doctor.
He said he knew he was “not in a good space” but he kept putting off taking that next step.
While chairman of Lardner Park Events he told himself to visit a men’s health stand as part of the four day Farm World event.
“But I was too busy doing chairman responsibilities and it didn’t happen.
“But the following year I told myself I had to and I did. Unfortunately that treatment path didn’t suit me and again I struggled through.”
Joe said his mental health struggles dated back many years, although he was at times unaware of how serious his situation was because of his state of denial.
“I worked alone on the farm and I was a perfectionist. I just persevered.
In making the presentation Joe said “this helps me and I hope it helps you.”
He told the audience of mixed gender and ages not to consider mental illness as a weakness. It’s important if you are experiencing issues or finding life difficult that you talk to your mates and not feel weak.
“Because the longer you leave it the harder it gets.
“And to those on the other end of the conversation I urge you to listen. If you have a mate ringing you all the time and talking without saying much ask yourself the question what is going on here?”
“I was always grumpy and moody and at times I did not feel like living.
Joe said he became aware of how low he was when he went away with his wife’s family and
saw how happy other people were.
“I was embarrassed and scared of what other people thought of me. If you open up and talk mates will help you get past that.
“Go and see a GP, I can’t stress that enough Joe said medication had assisted him greatly, including drugs which he will be on for the rest of his life.
“I have bad days still, but I also have better balance. I am not overwhelmed by how I feel. I am a lot calmer and more focussed
“For me it helps me to talk about it, that’s why I am here,” he said.
Joe called for more government funding for mental health, particularly at the grass roots level.
“Don’t be scared to put your hands up. The
support I got was enormous and a huge relief.
More than 80 players (football and netball), sponsors and life members attended the event.
President Ted Attenborough said the club preferred an evening function to thank sponsors and honour life members.
He said the mental health focus was important for everyone.
Ted thanked the many sponsors who had stuck by the club, even when football and netball were not played.
He said it was appropriate, given the difficult times of the past few years, that the topic for discussion was mental health.
If this article raises concern support is available at Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36