In late September, National Mental Health Awareness Week focused on reconnection, after years of covid-related disruption. Staying in touch with mates and neighbours is a big part of keeping Farmstrong.
Mental wellbeing is also at the fore in October, with the 10th marking World Mental Health Day, and keeping with the theme of connecting with our whānua and hapori, this time we focus on keeping those connections alive.
“The science of wellbeing tells us that people with strong social connections are happier, healthier and live longer,” Farmstrong ambassador Sam Whitelock said.
Simply put, spending time with mates, talking things out and being there for others makes us feel stronger and more supported.
“So, even when you’re busy, try to make it a priority to stay in touch with others. It may be just a phone call, a text or a chat at the farm gate, but it can make all the difference to how someone feels,” he said.
“Whenever there’s a challenging time, I know myself it’s nice to talk about it. So, if you’re worrying about things all the time and can’t sleep, getting frustrated and losing your rag or feeling isolated, don’t bottle it up, and make it a priority this month to reconnect with friends and neighbours. Sharing the load really helps manage pressure.”
Here’s what other farmers have to say about the power of connection.
Kelly Morrison, dairy farmer, Northland
“It’s vital when you work alone that you know you can connect with others if you need to. It’s great just to get more involved with your community, especially with the way the world is now. We need to know our neighbours better and be supporting each other.”
Cambridge dairy farmer Mark Gascoigne
“I help run the Te Awamutu cycle club, which ticks a lot of boxes and definitely helps me stay connected. We’ve got 350 members and run 40-plus races every year on road and velodrome. When you’re mixing with people like that it energises you and makes a real difference to your own wellness. A big part of keeping well on farm is connecting with your mates and checking in on people. People often just need to offload about something that’s happened to them.”
Pongakawa dairy farmer Paul Walker
“As farmers we need to use everything at our disposal to look after each other. One of the easiest resources we have is a set of ears. A few years ago, I spoke to a lot of farmers at Fieldays as part of the Farmstrong team and you could just see when people walked away that their backpack didn’t feel quite so heavy. There’s no doubt that having a friendly ear to turn to is much better than having none. Connections count.”
Former dairy farm manager/rural professional Cheyenne Wilson
“It’s easy to become isolated in farming and withdraw. I noticed that happening to myself a couple of times. My advice is surround yourself with a network of people you can reach out to. It can be as simple as having a conversation in the pub.”
Maegan Legg, sharemilker, Manawatū.
“People are social creatures, we’re meant to be in herds, just like our cows. So if you’re moving to a community where you don’t know anyone at all, my advice would be to join what’s on offer, find local networks. For example, we have young children, so it’s about getting involved with the local play centre and schools. All the other farmers’ kids are there too.
“The dairy industry also has amazing local networks. Dairy NZ discussion groups are great. They’re fun, they’re social and there’s no opinion that’s not valued. Everyone is welcomed. You don’t need to be a talker or extrovert, you can just turn up and catch up with other people facing the same things as you. It’s as social as it is farming. I’d also encourage people to explore what else is on offer in their local community. Check out your local fish and chip shop, RSA or sports club.”
North Canterbury contract milker Abbi Ayre
“I do a lot for the Dairy Women’s Network. I’m a regional leader and help to organise events around the area, which keep people connected. Having that sort of support is just the biggest thing. I get to see a group of women on their one night off farm and we don’t talk about cows and grass. Being in a room full of women like that is special. It’s a great boost.
“I’ve learnt that every season is different and every season has its challenges. If you’re feeling under the pump, it’s great to share the load. Get out and talk to somebody, whether it’s a dinner group or a BYO fish and chip night with neighbours and friends.”
Geoff Spark, dairy farmer, Canterbury
“It’s about taking that time to catch up with people, whether it’s your team or your neighbours. And it doesn’t take much, does it? A few minutes here or there. Sometimes I think we underestimate just how valuable it is to that person, showing that we care and want to have a yarn to see how they’re doing. It is important to take the lead and keep those connections going.”
The reality is farm work’s never done and the pressure of work and the isolation can really build up. Staying connected to your community, doing things off farm and talking to others helps you keep perspective, says Whitelock.
No one can just go “hammer-down” the whole time. We all need time to reset physically and mentally, even if it’s just for a short while. Anything that boosts your mood and energy levels is going to help you and your team get through busier periods.
So, make a point this month of reconnecting with people you haven’t seen for a while. It will do everyone a power of good.
