The famous but often fickle Menindee Lakes of South West NSW probably aren't the first place you'd think of when you picture endurance swimming. But these rain-dependent Darling River pools were actually where Broken Hill grazier, Brendan Cullen, finally found his feet. After grappling for years with the pressures of farming, drought, family responsibilities and his own sense of self, it was during his time spent swimming through the murky lakes of Menindee, with his hands scraping the sand, that Brendan finally felt himself beginning to heal. Swimming is now an essential part of Brendan's 'mental health toolkit'. Back in 2005, after realising his ongoing fatigue, alcohol dependence and general lack of any work-life balance were all pointing towards a bigger issue, Brendan put aside his 'Australian male pride' and took himself to his nearby RDFS clinic and asked for help. Today, Brendan is now a trusted and highly respected ambassador for the NSW RFDS 'We've Got Your Back' (WGYB) mental health support service. He's also a really, really good swimmer!
In this extraordinary and brutally honest episode #109 of the Flying Doctor Podcast, Brendan recalls all the signs and daily 'red flags' that he was experiencing, before he finally decided to put his mental health first. After grappling with the emotional rollercoaster of family farm succession planning, years of drought and the isolation of running a farm business during difficult times, Brendan today admits he was 'pretty much cooked'. If he wasn't working or finding a reason to 'tinker in the shed with a beer', Brendan found himself experiencing extreme fatigue and a general lack of interest in being around people or social gatherings. Fortunately, Brendan realised he required professional medical attention. On the same day he presented himself to his local health service and was assessed by a GP and an RFDS mental health nurse, this inspiring WGYB Champion recalls the incredible relief and happiness he felt after being immediately diagnosed with severe depression. He also admits that while he is currently not taking anti-depressants, the medication sits pride of place in his 'jock drawer' - as a physical reminder that mental health support and help is always there if he needs it.
While Brendan's mental health journey as a WGYB Champion allows him to chat to incredible individuals across Australia and around the world, this humble grazier also knows that finding his passion for long distance swimming - and setting himself the extraordinary challenge of swimming the English Channel - has also been an integral part of his recovery. With plenty of support from his family and friends, and an incredible swimming coach, Brendan decided he would give himself the mental and physical challenge of tackling one of the world's most challenging and treacherous long-distance swims. Remarkably, after successfully completing the English Channel in a marathon, 17 hour swim in 2022, Brendan found himself returning to swim again the following year, as part of a successful and incredibly rewarding 'relay team' Channel crossing. And on any given day, if you're up very early and you're dipping your toe into the Broken Hill swimming pool or the Menindee Lakes, you may just catch sight of a lone swimmer. Steadily stroking and kicking his way through the waters and the remote communities of South West NSW.
If you’d like to find out more about the RFDS 'We've got your back program' (WGYB) you can connect at https://www.facebook.com/wevegotyourbackprogram?mibextid=LQQJ4d If this episode has raised immediate concerns for you or a member of your family, you can also call Lifeline on Call 13 11 14
