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Maybe things haven’t gone the way you hoped lately. Maybe the season turned on you, the bills stacked up, or someone said something that affected you more than it should have. Rural life has a way of throwing curveballs with extra force — fuel prices, weather, markets, regulations, breakdowns, and the sheer unpredictability of working with land, animals, and machinery. There are absolutely things outside your control: what others say and do, luck, timing, the weather, traffic

If I asked you to name three or four events that have happened to you over the last few years, what comes to mind? Probably the big stuff. Accidents. Break‑ups. Graduations. Getting engaged. Someone dying. But notice that I didn’t say major events. Like most people, your mind likely jumped straight to the significant moments—the ones that feel dramatic or life‑defining—when the truth is that each and every day contains dozens of small events that can offer wonder, comfort, a

Following on from last month’s article about recognising when it might be time to seek professional support, this month we’re looking at what actually happens when you see a counsellor, psychologist, or therapist for the first time. Rural people are good at getting on with things. We fix machinery with whatever’s in the shed, we check on neighbours after a storm, and we shoulder more than we ever say out loud. But even the most capable people hit patches where the load gets t

Stress, worry, and low moods are part of the human experience. Everyone encounters moments of emotional strain, especially in today’s unpredictable world. Yet when these feelings persist or begin to interfere with daily life, they may signal something more serious than ordinary ups and downs. Distinguishing between everyday challenges and knowing when professional care might be needed, is an important step toward protecting your wellbeing. If you find yourself overwhelmed by

With Mental Health Week just having past, it’s great to see awareness building on the topic – an issue that has always existed, but with more visibility and acknowledgement, comes a perception that problems are increasing. If you don’t struggle with your mental health, that is great. You lucked in when mental health issues were being randomly assigned to around a quarter of the population, or roughly half of us over the entirety of our lives. But if you haven’t had the misf

“I just want to be happy”. Something I hear on an almost daily basis, in my personal and professional roles. It’s also something everybody wants for their children – and with good reason. Why would we not? Being happy has become the holy grail of wellness, a sign of excellent mental health, and the panacea to all of life’s ills. It’s also a message we constantly see everywhere: movies, TV, framed wall art, clothing, social media, and just our culture in general. Think: Don’t