The farmer directors of Australia's largest grains exporter have shared personal stories about depression as part of a social media campaign.
Grains handler CBH Group launched the campaign to raise awareness of mental health in rural Western Australia ahead of what is expected to be a disappointing harvest for many growers.
The cooperative has partnered with mental health organisations the Black Dog Institute and Lifeline WA to produce a video series that features farmer directors discussing how depression and suicide can affect individuals and farming communities.
Pingelly farmer and CBH director John Hassell is featured in a video talking about his own experience with depression.
Mr Hassell said he had not realised he was depressed until someone pointed out that a skin condition, psoriasis, was likely caused by stress and depression.
"It really clicked in me that there was something wrong," he said.
"It's not the fastest journey on the face of the planet, but it was a forward step."
Mr Hassell said he took a long time to actually realise that he was depressed and needed help.
"That was the real turning point for me — actually getting to the point where you know you need help," he said.
"That was a real relief once you realise."
Campaign ahead of harvest
CBH Group chairman Wally Newman said poor seasons and financial trouble were just some of the factors that effect mental health.
Mr Newman said the campaign was a way for the cooperative directors to share stories of how common depression is in rural communities, especially those currently impacted in the eastern and northern parts of the West Australian agricultural zone.
"We've got growers in the eastern part of the Wheatbelt around Southern Cross that have had a run of crook years," he said.
"So it is always there, and always about keeping people informed that they have got someone to turn to."
Mr Newman said mental health management was like having a good farm advisor.
"If you've got good advice you will make good decisions," he said.
"It is about keeping our communities healthy."
