Page 12 - Australian Pork Newspaper

Even the most resilient people need help and support
n Zoetis and Beyond Blue support the mental health of Australia’s local communities
CONSIDERING the vastness of Australia and the number of people who live in regional and rural areas, it’s a concerning fact that remoteness is a major risk factor con- tributing to mental health issues and suicide, with the suicide rates being 60 percent higher than rates in major cities.
Beyond Blue to support mental health initiatives and reduce the stigma around mental health.
“We are proud to be sup- porting Beyond Blue and the important work they do.
the NSW Farmers Asso- ciation, a former deputy mayor of Corowa Shire Council, NSW Rural As- sistance Authority Board director, chair of Murray Local Land Services and is on Beyond Blue’s Board of Directors, providing a wealth of experience on rural life.
feeling the pressure, it is vital that people receive mental health support as early as possible to pre- vent their issues leading to more serious mental health conditions.
family, friends and loved ones,” Mr Schoen said.
found himself with a lot more responsibility, man- aging the farm on his own.
In addition, people in outer regional, remote and extremely remote areas of Australia face more bar- riers accessing health care than people living in major cities, making it harder for them to maintain good mental health.
In 2022, Zoetis aims to again reach its $100,000 fundraising target by the end of the year.
“Together we have made strong progress in sup- porting the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year.”
It is important to re- member that depression and anxiety are common conditions, not weak- nesses, and with the right treatment, most people can recover.
“Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weak- ness.”
In a continued effort to raise awareness of mental health in rural and re- gional Australia, leading animal health business Zoetis has partnered with
Derek Schoen, a farmer for more than 36 years, is a beef, grain and hay producer in Corowa, NSW.
With many farmers, small business owners, workers and parents
“It’s important to make looking after ourselves a priority and set goals for sleep, exercise and ‘me’ time,” Ms O’Brien said.
“At one stage where I was struggling to get up each day and get out of the house, I would tap into my own self-reliance and inner strength to keep going in small ways,” Eddie said.
Over the past six years, Zoetis has raised $600,000 for the Beyond Blue Sup- port Service by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches.
“The money raised goes directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas.
Financial hardship, isola- tion and stigma can take a toll on those in distress, placing their mental health at risk.
“People in rural Aus- tralia are known for their resilience in times of crisis, but even the most resilient among us need extra support at times.
With the added pres- sure, he first started ex- periencing issues with his mental health in his twen- ties but became good at masking how he felt and used alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Zoetis senior vice presi- dent and cluster lead Aus- tralia and New Zealand Lance Williams said, “Zoetis works closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farming community, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families.”
“Through droughts, floods, bushfires and on- going COVID-19 related issues, rural Australia and country people are stoic and display considerable courage, however the im- pact on mental health has beensignificantformany.”
“The good news is that most of us will be able to cope very well with chal- lenges as they arise – we will use our normal re- sources, our strengths, net- works and the support that we have around us from
Beyond Blue chief com- munity officer Patrice O’Brien said the journey to better mental health can start with small actions.
Eddie says resilience is an important part of his mental health journey that keeps him putting one foot in front of another.
“To date, thanks to Zoetis’ donation, over 12,000 people have been able to get the support they need through the service.
“The farming commu- nity has endured many challenges over the years,” Mr Schoen said.
“We want everyone to know that support is avail- able and encourage people to seek advice.
It was following several hospitalisations after at- tempting to take his own life and receiving support and treatment that, at the age of 45, Eddie accepted he had an illness and real- ised it could be managed.
Mr Schoen is a member and former president of
“Maintaining social con- nections, keeping in touch with friends and family, and being part of a com- munity provides a sup- portive network.
HELP US RAISE $100,000
TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH IN RURAL AUSTRALIA
Zoetis has donated $600,000 to Beyond Blue over the last 6 years. Help us raise another $100,000.
For every Zoetis cattle, sheep, pig, poultry or goat vaccine or parasiticide sold by Zoetis between 15 July and 31 October 2022, Zoetis will donate $5, up to $100,000 to Beyond Blue.
"$100,000 will assist 2,083 people
in Australia"*
Georgie Harman - CEO Beyond Blue *Assistance through the Beyond Blue Support Service
Information in your hands
ZOETIS.COM.AU/LS
Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. ©2022 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved 05/22 ZL1578
“Also, understanding which tools and strategies work well for you in tough times and reaching out for that extra support when you need it are really im- portant.”
“Being resilient meant taking those small steps, keeping going, connecting with family and knowing things would get easier.
Feeling connected with others can reduce stress and build resilience.
“I want people to know there is always hope, and that early detection and management is an impor- tant step towards recovery, and in doing so we find our resilience within.”
The main thing for eve- ryone to know is that, “You are not alone, and you don’t have to work things out by yourself,” Ms O’Brien said.
The Beyond Blue Sup- port Service offers free and immediate counsel- ling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat or email.
“Whatever the reason, Beyond Blue wants people to know that no problem is too big or small to reach out.
In addition to the sup- port service, Beyond Blue has resources and informa- tion online at beyondblue. org.au, including online forums that offer peer sup- port in a safe, moderated setting.
“Sometimes, just talking to someone can make a difference.”
Case study Eddie Sloan
Eddie Sloan is a former farmer who worked in the agricultural industry at management level after having to leave the family farm in Western Australia in the early 1990s.
People can support the Zoetis initiative from July 18 to October 31, 2022.
A change of direction in his career saw Eddie follow a path into the disa- bility sector, working with and supporting people with disabilities into mean- ingful and lasting jobs in Kingaroy Queensland.
For every animal health product sold by Zoetis, the company will donate $5, up to $100,000, to Beyond Blue.
Eddie grew up as a third-generation farmer in Western Australia and after losing his father in his late teens, he suddenly
For more information on how you can help Zoetis to raise vital funds to sup- port mental health in rural communities through its partnership with Beyond Blue, visit zoetis.com.au
For more information about depression and anx- iety, visit beyondblue.org. au.
Page 12 – Australian Pork Newspaper, July 2022
Eddie Sloan is a former farmer who worked in the agricultural industry at management level after hav- ing to leave the family farm in Western Australia. Read his case study in this article.
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