He’s an active member of the Farmstrong supporters’ network and one of several farmers and growers who helped compile the Farmstrong Playlist, housed on iHeart, which was put together with the help of The County to lighten the load and boost the mood over summer.
The Country’s Jamie Mackay asked Gascoigne whose idea it was to have a playlist on iHeart radio.
“It looks like Farmstrong NZ is following Farmstrong Scotland, as I noticed they had a playlist,” Gascoigne said.
“I think we may be taking a leaf out of their book.”
Gascoigne’s song selection is the hilarious “Third Drawer Down” by Northern Irish-Australian comedian and actor Jimeoin.
“Great if you’re out spraying weeds with the headphones on,” Gascoigne said.
It shows that although mental health is a serious issue, the solutions to maintaining a good headspace can be fun, enjoyable and simple.
As well as being a dairy farmer, Gascoigne is president of the Te Awamutu cycle club, and this also is a big part of his life.
It is also part of Farmstrong’s message, as it incorporates getting off the farm, fitness, and having an interest outside of farming.
Gascoigne said “There are five ways to wellness on the Farmstrong website with one being connecting and another one being active, so racing on a Tuesday night means connecting with mates, catching up with people and combining it with being active and by being president I am giving back to the club and community. It is all about ticking as many of those boxes as you can.”
Listen below:
Gascoigne’s 20-year battle with depression and anxiety has been well documented.
He went through some very dark times but came out the other side.
When he finally faced reality and went to see his doctor, he advised him to check out Farmstrong’s website.
“I used some of the tools and philosophies on the Farmstrong website and although it didn’t get me sorted straight away, it set me on the right track.
“I am now living the dream.
“Farmstrong helped me so that is why I like to share the message and try to help as many people as I can because life is so cool to live.”
The reality is when it comes to mental health issues, you need to be vulnerable, or you need to fess up and own up to somebody that you have a problem, even though it is much easier said than done.
While we know some farmers are under financial pressure, there’s also climatic pressure which they have no control over, so how does a farmer handle that?
“You can only control the controllable,” Gascoigne said.
“You have to put everything in place, knowing you have done your best and live with it.
“Don’t dwell on it. It doesn’t help to be constantly worrying and anxious otherwise your brain will focus on the negative.
“It’s tough when you are a new farmer and having to face those challenges, but it will get easier.”
Find out what works for you and lock it in. For free tools and resources on managing the ups and downs of farming visit www.farmstrong.co.nz
To request a copy of Farmstrong’s new resource “Getting Through” visit www.gettingthrough.farmstrong.co.nz.
