For those who don’t know you, tell us a little about yourself!
I am a mum of two (1yo & 3yo), step mum of three (7, 10 & 14yo), Clinical Psychologist and farmer living on our 6th generation mixed grazing property in New England, NSW.
After the experience of birthing my daughter on an ambulance plane at 33 weeks, a stint in NICU and navigating a second high risk pregnancy in the bush I am really passionate about bringing mental health services to rural women and making noise to advocate for improvements to the services we so desperately need.
What are you seeing as the most common reason rural people are seeking help from a psychologist currently?
This is probably one common thread we share with our sisters in the city – Anxiety seems to be the most common concern as has been for some time. This can look like difficulty sleeping/fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating and everything from minor irritability to full blown rage! The difference being - we face far more diverse stressors in the bush and can’t rely on the same coping strategies as someone in the city!
(Rebecca has been kind enough to give us a copy of her Distress Tolerance tips. Click HERE to access)
There are so many things that can bring you down when you live rurally, a big one being the feeling of isolation. Do you have any tips or methods to help try and tackle that feeling of isolation?
This is something that hits home for many of us, including myself. Returning from a stint in the NICU after having my first at 33 weeks on the ambulance plane the isolation was deafening – mid COVID lockdowns too! While it may not be realistic to pop out for a coffee with a friend or organise a relative to visit we can use these desires as a great starting point for a plan to connect – We just need to get creative!
I often recommend joining online groups such as Facebook groups for your particular interests (I joined some premmie mum pages to help me understand the challenges of navigating life with my early-bird); to more structured programs like the Motherland mothers groups. It can also be helpful to make a list of your friends both near and far, then set time each week to send a message or call to check in. Many of us get busy and simply forget the time is passing between contacts, so being an instigator of these connections helps encourage to connection when you are feeling isolated.
What do potential clients need to understand about the process of starting a conversation with you or another psychologist? We know you are very approachable and easy to talk to, but it can still be hard to make the leap and start the conversation with a professional.
As a Clinical Psychologist having worked in high-risk settings from domestic violence, sexual assault recovery, hospital based mental health care and perinatal mental health – there is very little I have not heard in some form before. Seeking support takes courage, so being prepared for the challenge of therapy while also expecting to be welcomed into a space of acceptance and non-judgment is important.
We are complex beings, and while your story is individual to you, we all suffer in a similar way.
To see a psychologist in Australia you do not need a referral if you want to cover the full fee for service, however many psychologists are Medicare registered meaning you can receive a rebate for your sessions. You do need a referral from a GP or a psychiatrist to see me and receive a rebate. But should you find it difficult to speak with your personal GP you can access a referral via many of the online GP services.
If we see someone struggling with their mental health, what should we do to help them?
Encourage them to engage with a relevant service. This may be their GP or one of the many phone line services we have in Australia. Whether it is Beyond Blue, PANDA, Men’s Line or 1800RESPECT there are so many services we can access to start the process of change. It is important they know they are not alone.
Sometimes just leaving the phone numbers in an accessible place can allow them to approach the service in their own time, hopefully without any concern for judgement or pressure from others. It’s important to also note that many phone services accept anonymous callers and you may be able to ask for the call recording to be turned off to ensure privacy.
You have lived in the city and the country; would you say there are different themes that affect the different areas or do you see a lot of common threads between both worlds?
There are certainly common themes in terms of suffering in mental health or recovery from trauma that are consistent no matter where you live. The main difference I have noticed is the solutions we plan or tools to aid recovery need to shift depending on the context. For example, seeding, harvest, shearing or any number of ag events are incredibly stressful, so the expectation that parental roles or responsibilities can shift immediately is not realistic. Similarly the need to feed animals through dry periods or respond to the more urgent needs of livestock 24/7 365 days of the year is very different from your standard 9-5 city job. But there are incredible freedoms that come from rural life that we can lean into and maximise in our recovery plans. We may have to be a little creative though!
As a psychologist, what tools do you use to check in with yourself and make sure you’re ‘doing okay’?
As a Clinical Psychologist we are required as a condition of our registration to see a more senior psychologist for a minimum of 10 hours per year. This helps us process our case load and any challenges we are facing. Many of us far exceed this minimum standard though and really value that this is built into our profession. I also regularly check in with any number of psychologists for therapy depending on the type of personal challenges I am facing at that time. It may feel like a time to process past memories, work on my relationships or plan for my future and I will see a psychologist specialising in a target area depending on what I feel I need at the time.
How do you unwind after a long day?
Although they live in Victoria, I have a strong connection with my friends, so I am often on the phone as I leave my office and will chat about their day or our plans for the future before my connection is lost nearing our farm. This helps ground me in the space outside of the clinic and remind me of the things or people who are most important to me.
You are an extremely well-presented person, what is your one non-negotiable in your routine whether you are going out in public or staying at home?
It may sound a little silly but a great bra. When you have a bad fit, it hurts or just doesn’t look ‘right’ it can really grind. So making sure I am fitted professionally and don’t wait until they are in tatters when replaced!
What is your go to farm-fit?
I am an activewear farmer. I can’t stand trying to jump yards or chase something down on foot in a pair of stiff jeans. So you will likely find me in leggings, a tshirt with a political or socially relevant statement (I love Dangerous Females at the moment) and my Ariat boots!
Do you steal your partners work shirts?
I absolutely do not – his shirts are so far beyond wearable he looks like the came off second best with a bull. I have given up on trying to change him though, and just have to laugh when he comes to town for a coffee date…
What is one regional small business the Antola Community need to know about?
Any high street store closest to you. These are often small sole trader businesses, who rely on walk-in sales to stay afloat. With the cost of living pressures we are seeing sales drop off and pressure on these businesses to close. I make a point of spending what I can in these little shops to hopefully support them for another day of trade!
We know you are a fan of Antola prints, which is your favourite to date?
I love the liberty trim on the Izzy! It is feminine without being super flashy – which I really love!
What influences your fashion choices the most—comfort, trends, practicality, or something else?
Colour is probably the first on the list, then fit.
Last but not least – Crocs - yay or nay?
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can reach out to Rebecca here or any of the organisations below.
1300 22 4636
PANDA -
1300 726 306
Men’s Line -
1300 78 99 78
1800RESPECT -
1800 737 732