BURRA farmer Bill Stockman is passionate about removing the stigma surrounding depression, particularly for men in country South Australia, because he knows first-hand what it is like to live with the condition.
He has long felt that something should be done to raise awareness about depression and suicide – and money for help – and at Christmas last year, he made the decision that 2013 was the year to get started.
He will take to the River Murray's waters today in an event he initiated – Ski for Life – skiing from Renmark and finishing up at Murray Bridge on Monday.
He has organised the event with support from Jane and Greg Kellock, Burra, and Tim Watt, Mount Gambier.
There are two boats, an entourage of about 40 people and Bill out on the water. He is 42 and expecting to ski 500 kilometres in five days will cause a few aches and pains.
"It's a challenge but that's what it's all about. Depression is a challenge too," he said.
Bill says he has always loved skiing but years ago, when his family left him, he hit rock bottom and alcohol, and ended up in a mental health facility in Adelaide for two weeks.
"It (going to town) was the best thing to happen to me but when I went back to the farm that's where the help stopped and I was on my own again," he said. "I worked hard, I was determined to get myself right. Other men shouldn't have to go through what I did alone.
"I've met some amazing people on the way. They have lost people from suicide or suffered depression themselves. A lot more people suffer from it than you think."
He's hoping to make Ski for Life an annual event that will raise money for the former State-wide Men's Watch program.
Full report in Stock Journal, March 7 issue, 2013.
