On an isolated station near Broken Hill, Wes was enduring a private struggle with his mental health after living through years of drought and personal challenges.
Your compassion meant help and comfort were available right away when he reached out and had a life-changing conversation.
The stress of an uncertain financial future and difficult relationships at home took a toll. “Holding that stuff, trying to carry it all… it got to a point where I couldn’t.” This was the catalyst Wes needed to talk to someone. “The Flying Doctor was my GP. There was not a second thought about contacting them, just how to broach the subject,” said Wes.
He first spoke with Brendan Cullen, We’ve Got Your Back Champion, who works in the community as a listening ear. “He’s great. He’d come out to see me and have a yarn,” said Wes.
Brendan knew the right GP connection for Wes, and through conversation, medication and therapy, he began to recover. “Without that intervention, that first step and referral, I would’ve still been suffering more. Life’s better on the other side – believe me.”
Wes has spoken out on radio, TV and the Flying Doctor Podcast about his experience. He even writes poetry as therapy; “a bushman pouring his heart out on a piece of paper.” Wes says he hopes speaking out will “encourage people to think, ‘Well, if he can do that, I can.’”
Your kind heart made sure Wes had the support he needed. Thank you for caring so deeply about the wellbeing of people in the bush, like Wes.
