Farmers from across Australia have bared all for a new book, not just showing their skin but also providing candid accounts of their mental health struggles.
It is the latest venture for the Naked Farmer community, which has found a unique way to get the conversation started on a still little-discussed topic, mental health, and raise much-needed funds.
Founder and Penola farmer Ben Brooksby says it is hard to believe how far the Naked Farmer movement has come from when he first stripped off for a cheeky photo in a truck of lentils in 2017.
The Naked Farmer social media movement now has about 180,000 followers with their philosophy 'It takes guts to take your clothes off, just as it takes guts to talk about mental health'.
Each year the Naked Farmer has produced a calendar but Mr Brooksby says it has been a long-held ambition to produce a book.
Launched last week, it includes stories and photos from more than 30 farmers, including Mr Brooksby, who have shared their battles with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
"They (the stories) are all raw and real. Some of them are quite full on to read and you have to be in the right space but there is a lot that we can learn from these stories," he said.
The stories were gathered on an epic 19-day adventure of five states and NT in 2018, along with a Tas tour, and have been put to page by Mr Brooksby as well as several other farmers.
The book also includes the story of Stevie Judd from Tarpeena, gathered on their most recent SA tour in August.
"We rushed to get Stevie's story in the book because while the others have shared what they have been through, she is in the middle of getting treated," Mr Brooksby said.
The reported statistic is that one in five Australians will experience mental health issues during their lives but Mr Brooksby believes this figure is actually much higher, especially for those in rural communities.
There is no perfect method to learning how to control our mental health, so that's why we have put so many different stories into the book from so many different backgrounds.
- BEN BROOKSBY
He hopes the book will help them find ways to cope.
"A lot of us don't understand the science or even know the symptoms, but if we can educate people through these stories about signs and symptoms and things we can do it may be a help," he said.
"There is no perfect method to learning how to control our mental health, so that's why we have put so many different stories into the book from so many different backgrounds."
Mr Brooksby hopes those who see themselves as mentally stoic will still pick up the book to better understand those around them.
"If you are one of those who don't think you will be affected by mental health or don't think it is a thing, learn about what it is so you can help the people around you," he said.
The Naked Farmer's 10-day SA tour saw them visit farmers across the state from the Eyre Peninsula to the South East, including Mulyungarie Station near Cockburn, along with a photo shoot with the University of Adelaide's veterinary science students at Roseworthy.
Many of these individuals will be featured in the 2021 calendar but Mr Brooksby already has plans for another book - a larger coffee table book, showcasing not only the farmers' stories but also their properties and passion for agriculture.
"If we can also educate people in this process about how food gets on their tables and the fibre on their backs that would be amazing," he said.
A portion of the proceeds of The Naked Farmer will support the Royal Flying Doctor Service Mental Health Service.
- Details: thenakedfarmerco.com.au
Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
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