Dealing with depression - suicidal thoughts - Join the conversation (including helpline details)

[Christoph1945]

I'm puzzled as to why perfectly good pork is going as pet food.

As for abattoirs; I imagine that farmers would like to think that their stock are not being mistreated when being dispatched. Dispatched is a nicer word than slaughtered, isn't it? I once watched a video from South America where they were using a sledgehammer to dispatch beef on the hoof.

 

[Greenbeast]

I'm puzzled as to why perfectly good pork is going as pet food.

As for abattoirs; I imagine that farmers would like to think that their stock are not being mistreated when being dispatched. Dispatched is a nicer word than slaughtered, isn't it? I once watched a video from South America where they were using a sledgehammer to dispatch beef on the hoof.

Because there is a market for quality products made from ethical meat.

Yes we very much do want that treatment. That's why I, for one, welcome mandatory cctv in abattoirs now.
Well it depends how it was done. A captive bolt followed by a killing action (throat cut and bleeding out) can be humane, so a single sufficient blow from a sledge might not be as bad as you'd think. It looks cruel and would not be my first choice but might be quick and pain free.

 

[ollie989898]

Great news. Finally might be able to start work next month. My stint as house husband is coming to an end. The money will be useful to help save for Uni as well.

 

[Kiwi Pete]

Great news. Finally might be able to start work next month. My stint as house husband is coming to an end. The money will be useful to help save for Uni as well.

I hope so Ollie "the waiting is the hardest part"

 

[Christoph1945]

Great news. Finally might be able to start work next month. My stint as house husband is coming to an end. The money will be useful to help save for Uni as well.

Nice one Ollie; what are you going to be doing?

 

[Farmer Roy]

It’s grief and I am feeling it too - Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health

www.crrmh.com.au

 

[Christoph1945]

Roy,

Plenty of good advice in there but I certainly can't underestimate the value of gratitude and being grateful for what we do have in our lives! Is the bottle half empty, or is it half full?

With the fantastic spring weather of the last few days behind us, I woke up this morning to a cold grey dawn and the sound of Margaret coughing in her sleep. Following a quick clearing of the cobwebs of sleep and a little thought I realised that the cough was one that she has had for the last two years and not the first signs of Coronavirus. We later both had hospital appointments cancelled but who really wants to be visiting the hospital just now if it can be avoided.

A later check proved a lack of any high temperature, or flue like symptoms and we can be grateful for a well stocked chest freezer, fridge-freezer and larder; not to mention an efficient gas central heating system and standby CalorGas heater with four spare botles.

None of my older family ever had such access to communications systems that we have here today. We have cable TV with a myriad of channels, internet, land line phone, and mobile phones. We now even access to Skype and Margaret can talk face to face with family and friends.

And if all the above isn't enough I have access to TFF and all the support, help, and encouragement that is on offer and available from a vast pool of wisdom.

If anyone is feeling isolated, anxious/depressed, and out in the cold, come on in the water is warm and there are plenty on TFF who care enough to help you through.

Chris

Of course, we may feel that we are somehow locked in a strange Sci-Fi movie and are watching many of those around us making the same mistakes that we observed the characters in the old movies making.

 

[Shavings man]

Roy,

Plenty of good advice in there but I certainly can't underestimate the value of gratitude and being grateful for what we do have in our lives! Is the bottle half empty, or is it half full?

With the fantastic spring weather of the last few days behind us, I woke up this morning to a cold grey dawn and the sound of Margaret coughing in her sleep. Following a quick clearing of the cobwebs of sleep and a little thought I realised that the cough was one that she has had for the last two years and not the first signs of Coronavirus. We later both had hospital appointments cancelled but who really wants to be visiting the hospital just now if it can be avoided.

A later check proved a lack of any high temperature, or flue like symptoms and we can be grateful for a well stocked chest freezer, fridge-freezer and larder; not to mention an efficient gas central heating system and standby CalorGas heater with four spare botles.

None of my older family ever had such access to communications systems that we have here today. We have cable TV with a myriad of channels, internet, land line phone, and mobile phones. We now even access to Skype and Margaret can talk face to face with family and friends.

And if all the above isn't enough I have access to TFF and all the support, help, and encouragement that is on offer and available from a vast pool of wisdom.

If anyone is feeling isolated, anxious/depressed, and out in the cold, come on in the water is warm and there are plenty on TFF who care enough to help you through.

Chris

Of course, we may feel that we are somehow locked in a strange Sci-Fi movie and are watching many of those around us making the same mistakes that we observed the characters in the old movies making.

Love your posts Chris stay well the pair of you ,best wishes rich.

 

[Christoph1945]

Rich,

I just wish that I could have talked and listened with the lad who thought his world was at an end when he was 'possibly' going fail his exams via the mocks, due to the changes brought about by Coronavirus; his poor family must be totally devastated and distraught!

 

[Shavings man]

Rich,

I just wish that I could have talked and listened with the lad who thought his world was at an end when he was 'possibly' going fail his exams via the mocks, due to the changes brought about by Coronavirus; his poor family must be totally devastated and distraught!

Would have been good chris like you say its tragic I am sure he would have loved to talk and listen with you your a very wise man and sound like you have done a lot in life to offer sound advise your a God send on here chris all the very best rich.

 

[Christoph1945]

sound like you have done a lot in life chris all the very best rich.

Made loads of mistakes, done loads of wrongs, suffered more heart aches than I would have liked to and been down to the gates of psychological hell from which I thought I would never return or recover but eventually did. Often wish that I had known then what I know now. Some say .......... 'you can't put old heads on young shoulders' but I believe that you can help people see a wee bit better.

 

[Shavings man]

Made loads of mistakes, done loads of wrongs, suffered more heart aches than I would have liked to and been down to the gates of psychological hell from which I thought I would never return or recover but eventually did. Often wish that I had known then what I know now. Some say .......... 'you can't put old heads on young shoulders' but I believe that you can help people see a wee bit better.

At least your ok now chris that's the main thing , I think we'd all do certain things different knowing wot we know now but hopefully did our best at the time ? Regards rich

 

[Tompkins]

Checking in here after a long time away, just wanted to put a positive slant on things for those who might currently be struggling.
Decided to change things about a month ago, finally plucked up the coverage to try something different as I've been unhappy working at home for a while. Don't want to go into specifics but the place just isn't the same as it was so decided to try something different. Then of course Covid-19 comes along and sticks a twig in the spokes but I've been helping a good friend out this week and can honestly say I feel better already even with the current situation. Don't really know what the future holds but for the first time in ages I'm living for the moment, even if the pub's shut!!

 

[czechmate]

Checking in here after a long time away, just wanted to put a positive slant on things for those who might currently be struggling.
Decided to change things about a month ago, finally plucked up the coverage to try something different as I've been unhappy working at home for a while. Don't want to go into specifics but the place just isn't the same as it was so decided to try something different. Then of course Covid-19 comes along and sticks a twig in the spokes but I've been helping a good friend out this week and can honestly say I feel better already even with the current situation. Don't really know what the future holds but for the first time in ages I'm living for the moment, even if the pub's shut!!

Maybe that’s helping?

 

[Christoph1945]

Perhaps, the originally predicted death rates are not being reached yet because of the restrictions that are being imposed upon us all. I believe that the rates may have been even lower if the present restrictions had been direct instructions rather than requests in the early days of the epidemic.

There are, of course, still some who are full of bravado and are ignoring the present restrictions. Isolation isn't proving to be as easy as at first thought. obtaining delivery slots with any of our major supermarkets is presently proving to be impossible for me and the wife but at least our daughter can drop off shopping for us, ring the doorbell, and retreat.

The social distancing of farmers, often bemoaned by many, is after all proving to be something of a blessing in disguise but, now more than ever, there is a need to communicate and share our hopes, fears, and doubts about our future.

Has anyone on TFF lost friends, or relatives, to corona virus yet? Last night I was contemplating the deaths of some of the young people who recently died devoid of any touch and comfort from parents, or siblings, and how afraid they must have been. I also thought of the families who are being denied the comfort and support of a funeral joined by family and friends and I got to wondering if, as a nation, we could have a weekly, televised funeral service for all of the people that we have lost to Coronavirus during the week. Whilst fighting the undefeatable foe, we can still dream the impossible dream and maybe have all tv stations and religions to co-operate and produce such a service.

Stay safe, stay well, and continue to dream.

Chris

 

[Robt]

I am going to be controversial ( not like Robt I hear you say ?) I am starting to struggle these last few days. For the last 15 ish years I’ve been away 1-2 nights a week every week. Some weeks up to 5 nights. My job is a very social one. Being at home is very hard. I go for a walk once a day where I see lots ( well maybe 4-6 other people ) out walking . Without this walk I dread to think what I would be like to live with. If you are the average male ( sorry to be sexist but I fear I’m right) farmer or farm worker. Has the Covid -19 actually affected your daily life that much? I then see you all on twitter saying how everyone should be banned from YOUR foot paths and how dare they go out walking..... I fear the mental health issues we are soon going to be experiencing. I now need to go for a walk twice a day just to get out of the intensity of my house. I need a reason of only as to walk the dogs... my whole life has been about work for years... my family are the most important thing but work is a close second... there must be thousand of others like me. So when you see them out walking on YOUR footpaths.... just smile and turn the other cheek!

 

[Tompkins]

Maybe that’s helping?

Maybe, although I don't frequent the pub that much at this time of year. Had a few cans at home last night but by no means is it a regular occurrence. I think there's more to it than drink tbh.

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

I am going to be controversial ( not like Robt I hear you say ?) I am starting to struggle these last few days. For the last 15 ish years I’ve been away 1-2 nights a week every week. Some weeks up to 5 nights. My job is a very social one. Being at home is very hard. I go for a walk once a day where I see lots ( well maybe 4-6 other people ) out walking . Without this walk I dread to think what I would be like to live with. If you are the average male ( sorry to be sexist but I fear I’m right) farmer or farm worker. Has the Covid -19 actually affected your daily life that much? I then see you all on twitter saying how everyone should be banned from YOUR foot paths and how dare they go out walking..... I fear the mental health issues we are soon going to be experiencing. I now need to go for a walk twice a day just to get out of the intensity of my house. I need a reason of only as to walk the dogs... my whole life has been about work for years... my family are the most important thing but work is a close second... there must be thousand of others like me. So when you see them out walking on YOUR footpaths.... just smile and turn the other cheek!

A sudden forced change in routine can be hugely disruptive for mental health. @Mrs Holwell struggled with this last January when we had to put down both our equines due to illness and she'd no longer got anything to do before and after work. It took a rescue dog to give her meaning again and without him I'm not sure how she'd have avoided serious mental health issues (hard to say who rescued who, often the case it seems).

It must be much worse for extrovert socialite types (We are often told we are very social and friendly but ironically see ourselves as just the opposite).

 

[Juggler]

A sudden forced change in routine can be hugely disruptive for mental health. @Mrs Holwell struggled with this last January when we had to put down both our equines due to illness and she'd no longer got anything to do before and after work. It took a rescue dog to give her meaning again and without him I'm not sure how she'd have avoided serious mental health issues (hard to say who rescued who, often the case it seems).

It must be much worse for extrovert socialite types (We are often told we are very social and friendly but ironically see ourselves as just the opposite).

I'd agree with that, I sold the cows in 2015 and the sheep in 2016, rented the land out and just concentrated on the day job. I've felt a massive yawning void since then, growing worse each year.
Hopefully soon to be rectified, we'll see..

 

[Christoph1945]

A sudden forced change in routine can be hugely disruptive for mental health. @Mrs Holwell struggled with this last January when we had to put down both our equines due to illness and she'd no longer got anything to do before and after work. It took a rescue dog to give her meaning again and without him I'm not sure how she'd have avoided serious mental health issues (hard to say who rescued who, often the case it seems).

It must be much worse for extrovert socialite types (We are often told we are very social and friendly but ironically see ourselves as just the opposite).

I have never had the opportunity to swim with dolphins and experience the calm blessings that they are reported to be able to impart to us humans but I have stood in a stable and had my presence accepted by a horse, a creature much larger and stronger than my self. I think that I can fully understand the loss that your wife must have felt at the loss of her two charges and the grief that must have certainly followed. The great blessing that so oft comes with our animal friends is that they appear not to see our failings or infirmities, but if they do they choose to ignore them.