Mate Helping Mate

This episode of Mate Helping Mate features some solo wisdom from John about mental wellbeing resilience. Following on from ‘Preparedness', we bring you the second episode of ‘Rough But Ready'. Once we have laid the foundations for resilience, how do we keep it up in the long term? John looks at the ability to action what you have prepared, how to know when to use it and how to apply it. It is something that we need to keep practicing and nurturing. And in building our resilience, it positively impacts us and helps us be in a better position to support those around us too.

This episode of Mate Helping Mate features some solo wisdom from John about preparedness to weather poor mental health. It's one half of a two-episode special we've called ‘Rough But Ready'. Preparedness is being proactive with positive strategies for whatever life throws at us. Like preparing for a storm, it's important to have some plans in place for when poor mental health strikes us. Being prepared with options can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany mental health crises. Preparedness is important in achieving goals and avoiding negative outcomes. It is important to have an understanding that mental wellbeing is cyclic. That is, anytime you cease being proactive you stop; we cease moving forward to a better and brighter future. Like riding a bike we fall over or fall off. Continually practising your mental health preparedness bolsters self-confidence, builds self-worth and so is the foundation for resilience. Have a listen, maybe you'll be able to add a few tidbits to your toolbox and so strengthen your resilience. John maybe a little rough but at least we will be ready for any setback life may dish up.

Having a strong family unit, living in a compassionate caring community from which there are individuals you can confide in, is a huge positive factor in preventing poor mental health. It could be team harmony at work and the chats at smoko you look forward to each day. It may be your neighbour across the road who comes over for a cuppa and a handful of laughs. Whatever your community or team looks like, you are part of it for a reason, to have a yarn, to enjoy a laugh and to be there for each other when the going gets tough. Today we have a few people who acknowledge how community; a sense of belonging, keeps them going through the highs and lows of life. ****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There's some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14. We're bloody grateful for all the support we've received to make this podcast possible, including the show's sponsors the The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and their ‘Empowering our communities' grant which is the federal government's way of walking the talk; demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of natural disasters. The program aims to support suicide prevention and encourage rural communities to seek out mental health support. This podcast is also brought to you by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Through resilience building activities, they support primary producers experiencing natural disasters. This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for-purpose businesses. Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at matehelpingmate.com.au

Life challenges knocking you down time and time again can drain your willingness, your resilience in getting back up and keep trudging on. Losing your optimism, having pessimism overrun your life, believing you can't go on, is a bastard of a place to be, nobody wants to be there, believe me. The terrain may be rocky and treacherous at times, but a smoother path forward is never out of reach and isn't something you have to find on your own. In this episode I speak with people who have run a ‘life' cross country challenge about how they built and continue to find the resilience to keep going. ****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There's some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14. We're bloody grateful for all the support we've received to make this podcast possible, including the show's sponsors the The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and their ‘Empowering our communities' grant which is the federal government's way of walking the talk; demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of natural disasters. The program aims to support suicide prevention and encourage rural communities to seek out mental health support. This podcast is also brought to you by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Through resilience building activities, they support primary producers experiencing natural disasters. This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for-purpose businesses. Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at matehelpingmate.com.au

Our body is like a vehicle, it gets us from point A to B. The brain is an important part of that vehicle and requires maintenance, work and exercise. Like anything without maintenance our brain, and so our thinking, can become a bit worse for wear at times. In hindsight we may look back and wonder why the hell we didn't take better care of our brain and maintain our mental wellbeing. Check in with yourself, maintain yourself, if you're feeling low, feeling flat look at what's going on in your life that might be kicking you down. Reflect on past maintenance. What strategies you used to get through rough times, what was within your control? You'll hear from some ruffnut ‘mechanics' and the tricks they use to keep the cogs of the brain turning so they get through rough times. ****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There's some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14. We're bloody grateful for all the support we've received to make this podcast possible, including the show's sponsors the The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and their ‘Empowering our communities' grant which is the federal government's way of walking the talk; demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of natural disasters. The program aims to support suicide prevention and encourage rural communities to seek out mental health support. This podcast is also brought to you by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Through resilience building activities, they support primary producers experiencing natural disasters. This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for-purpose businesses. Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate Helping Mate over at matehelpingmate.com.au

Even though we know that a problem shared is a problem halved, the idea of opening up might scare us shitless. Once you've acknowledged you have a problem, the next step is addressing it, telling someone about it and opening up. Simple eh! But bloody hard to do. By finding a person or a place where you feel that you can open up a bit, we tend to find others who have walked the walk, had similar troubles and with whom we can relate to. In this episode you'll hear from people just like you, who took this step, opened up and have moved positively forward with their lives. They are opening up to you. ****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There's some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14. We're bloody grateful for all the support we've received to make this podcast possible, including the show's sponsors the The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and their ‘Empowering our communities' grant which is the federal government's way of walking the talk; demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of natural disasters. The program aims to support suicide prevention and encourage rural communities to seek out mental health support. This podcast is also brought to you by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Through resilience building activities, they support primary producers experiencing natural disasters. This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for-purpose businesses. Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate Helping Mate over at matehelpingmate.com.au

Anxiety, depression and other mental health buggers (issues) like them, can take a long time to really understand, but just recognising that they are there is the first step in the important process of learning how to cope and deal with them. To fix or address any problem, not just mental wellbeing problems, the first step is to acknowledge that there is a problem. This can be bloody difficult whether or not you may have been here several times before or you've never been bit before. The jokers on today's episode offer, from their own pockets, their two cents on what signs to look out for. ****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There's some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14. We're bloody grateful for all the support we've received to make this podcast possible, including the show's sponsors the The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and their ‘Empowering our communities' grant which is the federal government's way of walking the talk; demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of natural disasters. The program aims to support suicide prevention and encourage rural communities to seek out mental health support. This podcast is also brought to you by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Through resilience building activities, they support primary producers experiencing natural disasters. This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for-purpose businesses. Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at: matehelpingmate.com.au

From a property outside of Broken Hill, Kars Station, we hear from Brendan Cullen, a farmer who realised that talking to himself as a coping mechanism, was not sustainable. Attributing the roots of it particularly to drought and losing his family property, depression was with Brendan for a long time before he was diagnosed. He shares what's inside his mental health tool box to get him through the tough times and also shares the news of a huge challenge he set himself!

Ag teacher and young sportsman Ben Brookes chats with us about his role in the Rugby team after tragically losing a great mate and great player. He’s got some wisdom to share with us about the strategies he used in keeping the team on track. And also how he identifies when he's struggling and what he does about it!

Sam Bailey is a beef producer from Cropper Creek. He’s been through the wringer after a motor vehicle accident when he was 19 left him a quadriplegic. Sam shares some strategies which have prevented him from sliding into depression, keeping his head above water and maintaining a positive mindset. It's a ripper episode! Sam’s now got an ambitious goal to become the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter. You’ll love his story. Have a listen! *** The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There are some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14. We’re bloody grateful for all the support we’ve received to make this podcast possible, including the show’s sponsors, our mates at The DPI, Rural resilience program and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN). The Department of Primary Industries and their Rural Resilience team work with primary producers to build personal and family resilience, which is essential to withstand the challenges rural life and farm based businesses have. They listen, learn and link rural communities, families and individuals to the best-suited services. The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), through the Empower Our Communities Grant, is the government’s way of walking the talk and demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of drought, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for-purpose organisations. Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matehelpingmate/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6HVbGhYYiKSxufQKPkfIUw Website: www.matehelpingmate.org.au

A problem shared is a problem halved. How do you find the right people to help improve your mental wellbeing when you need it? John chats with Chris McGregor, whose brother died by suicide and has experienced his own struggles with the black dog, and counsellor David Post, who shares some handy tips about finding a great support team that works for you.*Note: This episode deals with themes of suicide and some listeners might find this upsetting. We’re grateful for Chris and his gutsy effort to share his story and make this episode as special as it is – thanks Chris.****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There’s some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.We’re bloody grateful for all the support we’ve received to make this podcast possible, including the show’s sponsors, our mates Gotcha4 Life and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN).Gotcha4Life was established to reverse the tide of declining mental health and to reduce suicide rates by taking action and having a positive outcome on men’s mental health. It enables men, boys and communities to build mental fitness, social connection, emotional muscle and resilience.The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), through the Empower Our Communities Grant, is the government’s way of walking the talk and demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of drought, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.You can connect with David Post and the great work of Rural Outreach Counselling – ROC for short – over at their website. You can also learn more about Riverina Bluebell here.This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for purpose businesses.Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at:FacebookYoutubeWebsite

If you’re struggling, how can you ask for help? John chats to shearer Phil Moroney about his battles and the lessons he’s learned, and counsellor Dave Honeysett from the Royal Flying Doctors about some strategies for reaching out to a mate when you need some help.***The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There’s some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.We’re bloody grateful for all the support we’ve received to make this podcast possible, including the show’s sponsors, our mates Gotcha4 Life and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN).Gotcha4Life was established to reverse the tide of declining mental health and to reduce suicide rates by taking action and having a positive outcome on men’s mental health. It enables men, boys and communities to build mental fitness, social connection, emotional muscle and resilience.The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), through the Empower Our Communities Grant, is the government’s way of walking the talk and demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of drought, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.A shout out and thank you to Phil Moroney and Dave Honeysett for coming onto the show in this episode. You can learn more about Dave’s work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service over at their website: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for purpose businesses. They do some great work.Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at:FacebookYoutubeWebsite

When someone you love is having a tough time, what should you do? John sits down with wife and mum Fiona to talk about the impact of depression on her marriage, and psychologist Lisa Paterson-Kane, who shares some thoughts on looking after yourself so that you can support others, and some surprising pathways to help.***The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There’s some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.We’re bloody grateful for all the support we’ve received to make this podcast possible, including the show’s sponsors, our mates Gotcha4 Life and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN).Gotcha4Life was established to reverse the tide of declining mental health and to reduce suicide rates by taking action and having a positive outcome on men’s mental health. It enables men, boys and communities to build mental fitness, social connection, emotional muscle and resilience.The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), through the Empower Our Communities Grant, is the government’s way of walking the talk and demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of drought, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.A shout out and thank you to Fiona Raleigh and Lisa Paterson-Kane for coming onto the show in this episode. You can learn more about Lisa’s work over at her website.This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for purpose businesses. They do some great work.Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at:FacebookYoutubeWebsite

What are the clues to look for if you think a mate is struggling with their mental health? If you spot them, what should you do? John speaks with irrigation farmer Julie Andreazza about the incredible support she received from her husband and community when she went through a hard time, along with counsellor David Post, who has some top-notch advice for helping others.*Note: This episode touches on themes of suicide and some listeners might find this hard to hear. We’re grateful to Julie sharing her story, and happy she’s now in a good place. Good on you Julie.****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There’s some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.We’re bloody grateful for all the support we’ve received to make this podcast possible, including the show’s sponsors, our mates Gotcha4 Life and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN).Gotcha4Life was established to reverse the tide of declining mental health and to reduce suicide rates by taking action and having a positive outcome on men’s mental health. It enables men, boys and communities to build mental fitness, social connection, emotional muscle and resilience.The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), through the Empower Our Communities Grant, is the government’s way of walking the talk and demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of drought, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.A shout out and thank you to Julie Andreazza and David Post for coming onto the show. You can connect with David Post and the great work of Rural Outreach Counselling – ROC for short – over at the websiteThis podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for purpose businesses. They do some great work.Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at:FacebookYoutubeWebsite

What should you do when you’re feeling rough? Who should you turn to? Chris Wilson thought he had everything he dreamed of when he took over his family farm. But the drought hit Chris hard, along with grief from losing his brother, and he slid into a dark depression. He shares his story of coming out the other side.*Note: This episode deals with themes of suicide and some listeners may find it hard to listen to. Thanks to Chris for being courageous and coming on the show - we’re glad he’s feeling like himself again.****The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There’s some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.We’re bloody grateful for all the support we’ve received to make this podcast possible, including the show’s sponsors, our mates Gotcha4 Life and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN).Gotcha4Life was established to reverse the tide of declining mental health and to reduce suicide rates by taking action and having a positive outcome on men’s mental health. It enables men, boys and communities to build mental fitness, social connection, emotional muscle and resilience.The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), through the Empower Our Communities Grant, is the government’s way of walking the talk and demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of drought, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for purpose businesses. They do some great work.Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at:FacebookYoutubeWebsite

John Harper’s a wheat sheep farmer from Stockinbingal, NSW. He describes himself as an ‘ordinary joker’ but after being bitten by the black dog he has become an active mental health advocate in rural and remote Australia. Meet John and learn a bit more about his story.***The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There’s some handy links over at the Mate helping Mate website to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.We’re bloody grateful for all the support we’ve received to make this podcast possible, including the show’s sponsors, our mates Gotcha4 Life and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN).Gotcha4Life was established to reverse the tide of declining mental health and to reduce suicide rates by taking action and having a positive outcome on men’s mental health. It enables men, boys and communities to build mental fitness, social connection, emotional muscle and resilience.The Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), through the Empower Our Communities Grant, is the government’s way of walking the talk and demonstrating their commitment to supporting families and communities living with the impacts of drought, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.This podcast is by Room3, a production company that work with charities and for purpose businesses. They do some great work.Finally, you can keep in touch with John Harper and Mate helping Mate over at:FacebookYoutubeWebsite

John Harper’s a wheat sheep farmer from Stockinbingal, NSW. He describes himself as an ‘ordinary joker’ but after being bitten by the black dog he has become an active mental health advocate in rural and remote Australia. Learn a bit more about our podcast and why it’s a must listen.