JOHN Harper describes appearing on Channel Nine's Random Acts of Kindness television show as "embarrassing as hell".
"When you see yourself on TV you think you don't look like that but everyone else says you do," he says.
The former Tinonee resident- turned Stockinbingal wheat and sheep farmer says he was "set-up" to appear on the show after his close friend nominated him for his development of the self-help community program, 'Mate Helping Mate'.
"Normally I am the one playing the jokes on people," John says.
The television crew filmed John over two days and "they come out and surprise you. You're put in the spotlight and it's embarrassing".
"There are a lot of people doing good things out there," he says. "I don't do it for rewards.... I do it because that's who I am."
But he says he got over his initial feelings of embarrassment.
"I found out my friend nominated me because I can talk publicly about the pressure of depression and he couldn't, and he wanted me to get the word out."
John started the 'Mate Helping Mate' self-help program after overcoming his own battle with depression almost a decade ago.
"My depression was brought on after I retired from shearing," he says.
"I had this image of being a tough Australian farmer and after retiring, this image was gone."
He says it's common for blokes to see themselves for what they do.
"I always wanted to be a farmer or a builder and be the traditional male image that I perceived it to be."
"If I had that image from a little boy, you can see how losing it cut the apple cart in half.
"I felt only half the man. And that knocked me fierce. I basically cut myself in half."
John says he didn't think he had depression originally and was sure he had Ross River Fever or some other type of heavy flu.
"Your brain never wants to admit there is something wrong and can change the chemistry composition of your body.
"My brain regulated my body to possess these symptoms of other illnesses."
He says the brain is an amazing thing and can influence the body as a coping mechanism.
"When you're sliding into depression, if you have had no experience you find all these excuses ? you blame everyone else but yourself."
He jokes it can be difficult for other people to be around. "It's like being around a man when he has the flu."
John says what helped him overcome depression was reconnecting with his family and community.
"I started to hear people acknowledge me for my personality and characteristics that I possess. Originally I didn't think I had them."
He says reconnecting with the community and his mates and family made him realise he was seen as more than a shearer or for what he does.
"Once I learnt that I got on top of it."
And it helped that the media were airing the increasing suicides due to the drought issues.
"If we talk about issues and depression then we can change it."
The 'Mate Helping Mate' community program John developed is run through St Vincent de Paul and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
It encourages men to reconnect through things such as "Friday night at the pub" and talk openly about their feelings.
"And getting fellows out of isolation and withdrawal."
John developed the program from his life experiences and from growing up in Tinonee.
"I am a product of my environment," he says. "I was raised in a small dairy community and mateship and looking after each other was very important. We had an unofficial mayor ? John Waterman ? and he was a real rally point.
"Those days when you moved in and people moved out, we used to sing a song like 'For he's a jolly good fellow' because that's how close the communities were.
"This has rubbed off on me and given me my concern for people's happiness."
He also says his mother, Rene Harper, is a real goer.
"She gets off her bum and does things and Dad was a philosopher ... always thinking a lot about human nature and seeing the best in most people."
John farms two days a week and develops community strengthening and resilience programs.
He gives talks through various organisations such as DPI and St Vincent de Paul and says: "Depression runs through all men ? whether they live in the city or a farm."
For further information visit: www.vinnies.org.au
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