One Driver’s Message on Mental Health

Conroy Linehaul Driver, Billy Harris, is encouraging his workmates to check in on each other this International Men’s Health Week.

Each June, Men’s Health Week reminds us of the small, everyday habits that support our wellbeing – especially the ones within our control. Among the many issues highlighted is mental health. Sadly, men are significantly more likely than women to die by suicide or in motor vehicle accidents, making awareness and connection more important than ever.

Billy brings a unique perspective to this conversation. In between driving for Conroy, he built a career in social work and holds a Master’s degree in Health Science.

“Even though I’m not working as a social worker anymore, I still use those skills every day,” Billy says. “When an offsider hops in the truck, it’s natural for me to check in – ask how they’re doing, how things are going. Those normal conversations can make a big difference.”

Through his studies and frontline experience, Billy saw firsthand how connection – or the lack of it – impacts men’s mental health.

“My research showed that simple, genuine engagement is one of the best ways to connect, especially with men. Programmes are helpful, but often it’s just about noticing people, asking questions, and taking an interest.”

While working as a Clinical Leader at a youth centre, Billy was part of a suicide prevention and postvention governance group. Over time, a pattern became clear.

“About three-quarters of the suicides we were seeing were young men. But when I looked at who was accessing support services, about 75% were female. That disconnect really stood out.”

That observation became the focus of his thesis – understanding why young men don’t access mental health support, and what can be done to change that.

“One of the key messages is simple: it’s okay to ask for help.”

A Journey of Change

Billy’s path hasn’t been straightforward.

Growing up, he was often told he wasn’t smart. Those messages stuck, shaping his beliefs about himself and ultimately leading him to leave school at just 14.

“I heard ‘dumb’ and ‘stupid’ a lot as a kid. That becomes what you believe.”

He went straight into work, eventually building a career in driving at Conroy. But a turning point came one Friday night while thinking about his young family.

“I was in the supermarket wondering what I was going to do. I wanted to be around more for my kids while they were still young.”

Soon after, he saw a job listing in the local newspaper for social workers and one week later, by chance, received a pamphlet for a Bachelor of Social Science in the mail.

“I thought, that’s it! That’s how I’m going to do it.”

In a bold move, Billy sold his house, left Conroy’s in 2005, and began studying the following year.

The transition wasn’t easy.

“My first writing assignment was rough. Because I left school so young I didn’t know how to put a sentence together. I nearly gave up. I remember thinking, ‘I can’t do this.’”

But with support and persistence, things changed.

“By my final year, I was getting A and A+ grades and even received an academic excellence award. A big part of it was proving to myself that I wasn’t what I’d always believed.”

Lessons that Stick

Billy eventually returned to Conroy’s due to what he describes as ‘burn out’, bringing his experience and insights with him.

“I came back just before lockdown. It felt like coming home – the culture hadn’t changed. It’s still a family business where people care about each other.”

That culture, he says, plays a big role in wellbeing.

“I once knocked down a power pole in Dunedin and caused a major outage for 48 hours! I expected a barrelling, but it was treated as a mistake – something to learn from, not something to punish. That kind of support makes you want to do better.”

Billy also carries a key principle from social work into his everyday life:

“The problem is the problem; the person is not the problem.”

“It helps you separate mistakes or challenges from who someone is. That’s important at work, but also in how we treat ourselves.”

Checking in Matters

For Billy, improving men’s mental health doesn’t always require big interventions – it starts with small, everyday actions.

“Just take the time to ask someone how they’re going. Be genuine. That can go a long way.”

He also emphasises the importance of looking after yourself on the road, where safety and mental focus are closely linked.

“Certain times of day, like early morning and late afternoon, are more dangerous. Taking your time and staying aware is really important.”

A Simple Message

Billy’s journey – from leaving school early to earning a Master’s degree, from social work back to linehaul driving – has given him a powerful perspective and this Men’s Health Week, his message is simple:

Check in. Start a conversation. And never be afraid to ask for help.

For more information on how to get help visit Welcome – Men’s Health Week