Aidan Curtis
HAVING the courage to speak up and seek help with mental health was the main message from Naked Farmer Ben Brooksby’s visit to Penola High School.
Mr Brooksby spoke to Penola students on Wednesday morning about his experiences with anxiety, his work as The Naked Farmer, and the importance of talking to someone.
He said coming to schools and encouraging young people to speak up was something he is very passionate about.
“Coming to schools, it’s an important part to my mission because I believe that, not fixing the mental health problem, but helping combat the issue is about educating our kids,” he said.
“They’re the next generation coming through and it stems from the kids, they go home and talk to their parents and grandparents.
“It really helps make that change and the change in talking about mental health in the home.”
Mr Brooksby said it was important to normalise conversations around mental health with students as they would be parents themselves one day and will be more easily be able to discuss it with their families.
“It’s one of my favourite things to do, to come to a school and talk, because I know the impact it’s going to have in the longterm will compound on itself,” he said.
“It’s about bringing that normality to it and that conversation around mental health for generations to come.”
During his presentation to the students, Mr Brooksby was joined by Stevie Judd, who grew up on a farm in the region and has featured in a number of The Naked Farmer projects.
Ms Judd bought many in the audience to tears with her experiences with mental health growing up and reinforced the message that seeking help is vital, especially for young people.
“Definitely just trying to get it out there so people can not feel like they’re off in their own boat, we can be in the same one whether it’s a yacht or a dinghy,” she said.
“Just make it normal, let it be spoken about.”
She said one of the best, most simple things people can do is learn to just have a good cry.
“Whether it’s only for a couple of minutes or what, it just releases,” she said.
“Your body has a thing of holding onto trauma and crying is a great way of getting rid of it.
“You can feel the knots in your gut and the lump in your throat, but it will ease.”
