Page 6 - National Poultry 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 con- cerning fact that remote- ness is a major risk factor contributing to mental health issues and suicide, with the suicide rates being 60 percent higher than rates in major cities.
mental health initiatives and reduce the stigma around mental health.
the important work they do.
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.
possible to prevent their issues leading to more se- rious mental health condi- tions.
silience in times of crisis, but even the most resilient among us need extra sup- port at times.
farm on his own.
With the added pressure,
In addition, people in outer regional, remote and extremely remote areas of Australia face more barri- ers accessing health care than people living in ma- jor cities, making it harder for them to maintain good mental health.
Zoetis senior vice presi- dent and cluster lead Aus- tralia and New Zealand Lance Williams said, “Zoetis works closely with rural Australia through in- teractions with the coun- try’s farming community, agricultural stores, vet- erinarians and their fami- lies.”
“Together we have made strong progress in support- ing the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year.”
“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 been significant for many.”
Beyond Blue chief com- munity officer Patrice O’Brien said the journey to better mental health can start with small actions.
In a continued effort to raise awareness of men- tal health in rural and re- gional Australia, leading animal health business Zoetis has partnered with Beyond Blue to support
Derek Schoen, a farmer for more than 36 years, is a beef, grain and hay pro- ducer in Corowa, NSW.
“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 family, friends and loved ones,” Mr Schoen said.
“It’s important to make looking after ourselves a priority and set goals for sleep, exercise and ‘me’ time,” Ms O’Brien said.
Eddie says resilience is an important part of his mental health journey that keeps him putting one foot in front of another.
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, iso- lation and stigma can take a toll on those in distress, placing their mental health at risk.
“We want everyone to know that support is avail- able and encourage people to seek advice.
he first started experienc- ing issues with his mental health in his twenties but became good at masking how he felt and used al- cohol as a coping mech- anism.
In 2022, Zoetis aims to again reach its $100,000 fundraising target by the end of the year.
“To date, thanks to Zoe- tis’ 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.
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.”
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.
“We are proud to be sup- porting Beyond Blue and
Mr Schoen is a member and former president of the NSW Farmers Asso- ciation, a former deputy mayor of Corowa Shire
With many farmers, small business owners, workers and parents feel- ing the pressure, it is vital that people receive mental health support as early as
“People in rural Austral- ia are known for their re-
“Maintaining social con- nections, keeping in touch with friends and family, and being part of a com- munity provides a sup- portive network.
“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 go- ing in small ways,” Eddie said.
“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.
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
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 support service, Beyond Blue has resources and information online at beyondblue.org. au, including online for- ums 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 fol- low a path into the dis- ability sector, working with and supporting peo- ple with disabilities into meaningful and lasting jobs in Kingaroy Queens- land.
For every animal health product sold by Zoetis, the company will donate $5, up to $100,000, to Beyond Blue.
Eddiegrewupasathird- generation farmer in West- ern Australia and after los- ing his father in his late teens, he suddenly found himself with a lot more re- sponsibility, managing the
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 anxi- ety, visit beyondblue.org. au.
Page 6 – National Poultry Newspaper, July 2022
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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.