In this raw episode, dairy industry leader, Aaron Thomas, shares the story of his mental health break-down in the midst of a “perfect storm” of personal and professional hardship. As well as managing a dairy farm in Southeast Gippsland, Aaron is working to break down the stigma, shame and lack of support that can see people struggle alone – especially in rural communities.

Sitting down with our host, Claire Delahunty, Aaron candidly talks about his battle with depression, anxiety and alcoholism, and how in 2016, his mental health deteriorated to the point that he twice attempted to end his life. From the darkness of rock-bottom, the belief of Aaron’s employers, his family and his industry supported him to get back up and choose the life and impact he wants to have.

October is Mental Health Month and as Aaron explains, “you never beat it, but you learn to live with it”.

Aaron is a Farmer Director on the GippsDairy Board and a graduate of Dairy Australia’s Developing Dairy Leaders program. He completed Course 29 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program thanks to a scholarship from the Gardiner Foundation.

Some highlights:

• Aaron describes the gradual and accumulative factors that can lead to mental health decline & how recovery is equally gradual

• The essential role of the support of Aaron’s employers and industry

• How ARLP Course 30 graduate and fellow dairy leader and mental health crusader, Sallie Jones, affirmed Aaron’s purpose in sharing his story

• How the Australian Rural Leadership Program taught him to ‘slow down to go faster’

• To be curious and ‘trust your gut’ if you think someone you know is struggling

• Why Aaron sees a bright future in the dairy industry

• Being truthful about our mental health is what matters, and it’s ok not to have all the answers

Our host:

Claire Delahunty, is a writer and journalist who has worked with the ARLF for more than ten years, interviewing leaders having a positive impact on rural and regional Australia.

Resources:

ARLF podcast blog

ARLF website

Australian Rural Leadership Program

Gardiner Foundation

National Farmer Wellbeing Report

More on Aaron’s mental health and leadership journey

Sallie Jones, ARLP graduate, dairy industry leader and mental health advocate