New South Wales farmer Brendan Cullen discovered an unexpected path to overcoming long-term depression: open-water swimming. After years of relying on alcohol to cope with the pressures of running a 60,000-head sheep station, Cullen turned to the water and found a lifeline, becoming a beacon of hope for others in the rural community struggling with mental health.
Cullen’s journey, detailed in his memoir The Desert Swimmer, began in 2015 when he recognized he was in distress. He sought help at a local hospital, initiating a path toward recovery that included antidepressants and, crucially, swimming. His story highlights the often-hidden struggles faced by those in the agricultural sector, where self-imposed pressure and financial uncertainty can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing. The challenges of farming, particularly during prolonged droughts, can lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation, as Cullen experienced firsthand.
For a long time, Cullen used alcohol as a coping mechanism. “It became the thing that I thought was helping me out at the time. It made me feel better. But I ended up drinking a lot of beer,” he explained, according to reporting from RNZ’s Nine to Noon. He described the constant pressure to meet targets and the anxiety surrounding financial stability as particularly hard to navigate. “You envisage what you want to achieve in the day or the week or the month, and if you’re not reaching that target… You can’t foresee what your future is going to glance like, you don’t know if you’re going to be earning any money. So it’s quite difficult to navigate around.”
From Self-Medication to the English Channel
Cullen’s transformation is remarkable, culminating in feats of endurance like swimming the English Channel – a challenge completed by only 20 percent of those who attempt it – despite living hundreds of kilometers from the coast. Last year, he completed the 32.5 km Catalina Channel in 13 hours and 3 minutes, demonstrating the power of physical challenge in mental recovery. This achievement underscores the therapeutic benefits of pushing personal boundaries and finding healthy outlets for stress.
The impact of Cullen’s journey extends beyond his personal recovery. He now serves as a “sounding board” for others in the rural community who are grappling with similar struggles. His openness about his own experiences is breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health in a sector where seeking help is often seen as a sign of weakness.
The story comes amid growing awareness of mental health challenges within the agricultural community. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford has also spoken publicly about his own battle with depression, which began eight years ago, as highlighted in a YouTube video discussing farming and mental health.
Addressing Mental Health in Rural Communities
The pressures faced by farmers are unique, combining the demands of a physically demanding job with the uncertainties of weather, market fluctuations, and financial stability. Cullen’s experience illustrates the importance of recognizing the signs of depression and seeking help, as well as finding healthy coping mechanisms. He found that addressing his mental health allowed him to reconnect with his family and move past dwelling on the past. “I had an inability to be able to get rid of a lot of the rubbish that was in my head and had been there for a long time,” he said.
Recent reporting from RNZ also highlights broader health concerns in New Zealand, including a measles case linked to a Parliament tour and a $5 million grant aimed at tackling cervical cancer in the Pacific Islands. These stories underscore the diverse health challenges facing communities both domestically and internationally.
As Cullen continues to swim and support others, his story serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The ongoing conversation surrounding mental health in rural communities is crucial, and Cullen’s willingness to share his experiences is undoubtedly making a difference.
What comes next will likely involve continued efforts to destigmatize mental health issues within the agricultural sector and expand access to support services for those who need them.
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