Farmer shares depression story

The Avery family runs Bonavaree Farm at Grassmere, South Marlborough. Photo / Supplied

Recently awarded a MNZM Queen's Birthday honour in recognition of his services to agriculture and mental health, charismatic Marlborough farmer Doug Avery shared his powerful story in Central Hawke's Bay recently.

More than 380 people heard how Doug weathered years of drought and desperation and overcame heart-breaking adversity to live a fruitful life and help others.

The Avery family runs Bonavaree Farm at Grassmere, South Marlborough. The farm has been owned by the family since 1919 so they have a deep understanding of the land and how it is shaped by the weather.

The eight-year drought, however, took a personal toll on Doug Avery and he suffered terribly during those long, dry years. Doug's farm was depleted and so was he - to the point of severe depression.

"There's a huge difference between a broken leg and a broken mind.

"A broken leg is obvious to everyone, whereas a broken mind is invisible and can represent such a lonely journey - but I realised it doesn't need to be if the safety net is in place. The saddest part of it all is that anyone suffering from depression will become the master of disguise and hide it - which I did," he said.

Doug referred to depression not as a weakness but an illness which affects some of the most amazing thinkers of this country.

He talked about the importance of early intervention and emphasised the need to grow your emotional resilience.

"Resilience is a journey of travel and you can keep building and building resilience and we need to keep learning."

Everyone experiences some form of disruption in their lives and Doug pointed out the importance of how we address disruption - do we turn away or do we join together and work together. He encouraged everyone to invest more time in themselves so they can be there for others.

The Ministry of Health statistics show suicide rates in rural men aged 15-64 are higher than suicide rates in urban men, and higher than the national male suicide rate.

To find out more information on the support services available go to www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory and search for the category and location of support required.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.