When life feels like it’s out of your control — when the rain won’t come, prices drop, or your energy’s running low — it’s easy to feel stuck. In this episode, Steph explores how to make meaningful choices even when the situation itself can’t be changed.

Drawing on her background as a psychologist and her lived experience on the farm, Steph introduces the Noticing Map, a practical tool to help you pause, reflect, and act in ways that align with your values. You’ll learn how to:

• Step back from the noise and identify what really matters to you right now.

• Notice the thoughts and emotions pulling you off track.

• Recognise your go-to coping strategies—helpful and unhelpful.

• Choose one small, workable action that moves you toward the person you want to be.

It’s not about pretending things are easy—it’s about finding your next step forward.

🎧 From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land is part of the Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt podcast, proudly supported by Ski for Life, promoting mental health and suicide prevention across rural Australia.

🛠 Key Takeaway: Even when we can’t change our circumstances, we can choose how we show up. Small, intentional choices—grounded in our values—help us move from stress toward strength.

Check out the Farm Life Handbook for videos and resources to help you navigate farming life: www.farmlifehandbook.com.au

Connect with Steph:

www.https://www.instagram.com/stephschmidt.farmlifepsych/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephschmidtfarmlifepsych/

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast shares general information, reflections, and strategies for wellbeing and mental health, but it is not a substitute for professional or clinical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support.

In Australia, you can contact:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please call 000 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.

Ever found yourself lying in bed at 3 a.m., replaying the to-do list, worrying about the weather, or planning tomorrow’s jobs? You’re not alone.

In this episode of From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land, Steph dives into one of the first things we sacrifice when life on the farm gets hectic — sleep. It’s not a luxury or something “soft and fluffy.” It’s fuel. The thing that keeps our bodies and minds running well enough to get through the day (and all those long nights).

Steph explores:

• Why sleep matters more than we often admit

• How stress messes with our ability to switch off

• Practical strategies to help your body and brain wind down, including progressive muscle relaxation, yoga nidra, and cognitive shuffling (yes, it’s a real thing — and surprisingly effective)

• Simple wind-down habits that actually work for farm life

Whether you’re feeding out, in the header, or wide awake at midnight, this episode offers small, doable ways to rest, recharge, and reclaim some decent shut-eye.

Listen to Episode 8 now:
🎙 From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land — part of Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt.
Proudly supported by Ski for Life, promoting mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention across rural communities.

Find more tools for your Farm Life Handbook here:

- www.farmlifehandbook.com.au

Connect with Steph online:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephschmidt.farmlifepsych/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephschmidtfarmlifepsych/

Resources mentioned:

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (free guides on YouTube or Insight Timer)

• Yoga Nidra sleep meditations (Spotify/Insight Timer)

• “The Pocket Psychologist” on Instagram for cognitive shuffling tips

  
  

If you’re struggling with ongoing sleep or stress, reach out for support.
Lifeline 13 11 14 | Regional Access 1300 032 186 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Parenting is hard at the best of times — add farm stress, exhaustion, or the chaos of harvest, and it can feel near impossible to be the parent you want to be. In this episode of From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land, Steph shares honest reflections from her own family life alongside practical strategies for staying connected with your kids when everything feels overwhelming.

You’ll hear about:

• Why “good enough” parenting really is enough.

• Practical tools from How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk.

• Everyday strategies: acknowledging feelings, giving choices, problem-solving as a family, and using notes or rituals for connection.

• The importance of repair when things go wrong — because none of us get it right every time.

This series is part of Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt and proudly supported by Ski for Life, who do incredible grassroots work in rural mental health and suicide prevention.

👉 Tune in for practical, compassionate ideas you can try on your farm and in your family this week.

👉 Find more resources for navigating Farm Life in the Farm Life Handbook Digital Hub www.farmlifehandbook.com.au

👉 Sign up for little reminders to help you stay on track:

www.stephschmidt.com.au/littlerocks

Disclaimer: This podcast contains general information only. If you are struggling, please reach out for support. In Australia you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in South Australia contact Regional Access on 1300 032 186.

In this episode of From Stress to Strength: Navigating Life on the Land, part of my Farm Life Psych podcast, I’m taking you into the shearing shed — not just for the wool, but for the wisdom.

Currently we are navigating the chaos of shearing, a time I love and find exhausting - all at the same time. (Remember, it's all about the AND).

Shearing season is a masterclass in teamwork, routine, and finding small moments of joy in hard work. I share five lessons from the shed that can help us all — whether you run sheep or not — to look after our wellbeing:

• The power of the team (and why going far together beats going fast alone)

• Finding rest and rhythm in your days

• The lift that music and joy can bring

• Fueling your body for the work ahead

• Letting go of the “prickly bits”

It’s about finding practical ways to carry these lessons into everyday farm life, so we can keep going — together — even through the busiest, most exhausting seasons.

This From Stress to Strength series is proudly supported by Ski for Life, a grassroots organisation promoting mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention in rural communities across Australia.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Ski for Life: www.skiforlife.com.au

• Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

• More episodes & resources: www.stephschmidt.com.au/podcast

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who’d appreciate it, and leave a review so more people can find it.

Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast is for general information and education purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling or feel you may need support, please reach out to a qualified health professional. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Regional Access on 1300 032 186 (in South Australia). You do not have to go through difficult times alone — help is available.

In this episode of From Stress to Strength, Steph explores the idea of capacity—and why shifting the conversation from “mental health” to “how much I’ve got to give” might just change everything.

We often talk about stress as something wrong with us, but what if it’s just what happens when the demands placed on us exceed our capacity (or our perceived capacity) to cope? In this down-to-earth episode, Steph talks through what capacity looks like on the farm and in family life—and how to check in, protect it, and gently rebuild when you're running low.

Whether your silo’s full or scraping the bottom, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to be at 100% to keep going—but you do need to notice where you’re at.

You’ll learn:

• How to check in with your capacity (without judgment)

• What drains your silo—and what fills it back up

• How capacity plays out in our relationships

• The importance of having honest conversations about load

• Simple ways to protect and build capacity day-to-day

🔧 Featuring practical metaphors, small tweaks, and a whole lot of validation for how hard it is right now.

This series is proudly supported by Ski for Life, an organisation committed to suicide prevention and stronger mental health in rural Australia.

📍 Find more at: stephschmidt.com.au/podcast

If this episode brings up anything for you:
📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14
📞 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
📞 SA Rural Mental Health Triage: 13 14 65

When the stress is high, our relationships often take the biggest hit — especially on the farm, where family and business are deeply intertwined. In this episode, join Steph Schmidt as she explores how stress impacts our relationships and shares practical strategies to reconnect and repair, even in tough seasons.

Whether it's with your partner, parents, kids, or co-workers, this episode is a reminder that we’re in this together - and that small actions can make a big difference.

In this episode, Steph unpacks:

• How stress shrinks our “window of tolerance” and makes conflict more likely

• Why conflict is inevitable—and how repair matters more than perfection

• The power of perspective shifting: “You can be in a relationship or you can be right”

• A handful of practical tips to reconnect, from small daily check-ins to sharing your “why”

• Why shared purpose can anchor your family farm in hard times

💡 This episode is for anyone navigating the push and pull of relationships during times of pressure. You are not alone—and you don’t have to get it perfect.

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides general information for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out.

📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention
📞 Regional Access (SA): 1300 032 186 — Free professional phone and online counselling for people living or working in regional South Australia
📞 Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467 — Counselling for people affected by suicide

🎧 Listen and explore all episodes at stephschmidt.com.au/podcast
🙏 Proudly supported by Ski for Life — promoting mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention across rural Australia.

Our minds are meaning-making machines — but sometimes, they trap us in loops of self-criticism, worst-case scenarios, and unhelpful comparisons. In this episode, Steph unpacks the most common thinking traps we all fall into, especially when stress levels are high and life on the land feels overwhelming.

You’ll learn:

• Why thinking traps are normal (and not a sign that something's wrong with you)

• The most common traps: all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, mind reading, "shoulds" and "musts", labelling, overgeneralizing, emotional reasoning, and minimising your own strengths

• Simple tools to step out of these loops and regain perspective

• How to use the STOPP strategy to interrupt spirals and take meaningful next steps

Whether you're stuck in your own head or supporting someone else who is, this episode offers practical ways to pause, notice, and choose what happens next.

🧠 You don’t have to believe every thought you have. But you can learn to notice it — and choose your next move.

Referenced strategies:

• STOPP: Stop – Take a breath – Observe – Pull back – Proceed with what matters

• The 5x5 perspective rule

• “I’m having the thought that…” defusion tool

  
  

This episode is part of the From Stress to Strength series, proudly supported by Ski for Life, a grassroots organisation promoting mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural communities across Australia.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts
🌾 Connect with Steph on Instagram & Facebook: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
💻 Explore more: www.stephschmidt.com.au
📝 Complete the check-in survey: www.stephschmidt.com.au/podcast

When the pressure builds and it feels like everything is too much, what can you actually do to get through that moment?

In this episode of From Stress to Strength, join Steph Schmidt - psychologist and farmer - as she shares practical, body-based strategies to help you ride the emotional waves of tough seasons—without getting smashed underneath them. Whether you're standing in the paddock, driving the ute, or managing chaos in the kitchen, these tools are designed to help you ground yourself and find your footing.

Drawing from her experience as a psychologist and farmer, Steph unpacks:

• Why our nervous systems go into overdrive under stress

• How to "start from the outside in" to shift overwhelming feelings

• The power of grounding through the ACE and TIPP strategies

• How small sensory anchors can make a big difference

• Why practicing now helps when the pressure hits later

You don’t need to fix everything—sometimes surviving the moment is enough.

🧠 Supported by Ski for Life, this special podcast series is here to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing, one small, real-world step at a time.

👉 Don’t forget to complete the podcast check-in at:
www.stephschmidt.com.au/podcast

🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.
📣 Share this episode with someone who might need it.
💬 Connect with me on social media:
Instagram & Facebook: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
LinkedIn: Steph Schmidt

Welcome to From Stress to Strength, a special podcast series by Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt, proudly supported by Ski for Life.

Join Steph Schmidt, a psychologist, farmer and mum as she explores strategies to help navigate the challenges (and the joys) of farming life.

In this first episode, Steph sets the scene for the season ahead—sharing why this podcast series was created, what’s been happening on farms across South Australia (and beyond), and why it’s okay to simply be surviving right now. With so many juggling relentless drought, financial pressure, and emotional fatigue, Steph introduces the powerful concept of “filling your silo”—a relatable and practical wellbeing metaphor for farming life.

💬 In this episode, you'll hear:

• A real-time check-in on the 2024 season and what farmers are facing

• Why running on empty might get the job done—but at what cost?

• A guided "silo check-in" to reflect on your current energy levels

• Practical strategies for noticing what’s draining or filling your tank

• A reminder that thriving isn’t the only goal—sometimes surviving is enough

Whether you’re in the paddock, the ute, or at home with the chaos of life, this short, honest episode will help you pause, reflect, and gently care for yourself.

📝 Take the 2-minute check-in survey:
Help us understand how this series is supporting you and your community. Your anonymous responses will guide future episodes and help evaluate the impact of the series.
👉 Complete the podcast check-in at www.stephschmidt.com.au/podcast

🌱 This series is proudly supported by Ski for Life, a grassroots organisation promoting mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention in rural communities across Australia.

👩‍💻 Connect with Steph:
Website: www.stephschmidt.com.au
Instagram/Facebook: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
LinkedIn: Steph Schmidt

📩 Want to share your reflections or ideas for upcoming episodes? Get in touch at steph@stephschmidt.com.au

In this bite-sized Cultivate episode, join me, Steph Schmidt, a psychologist, farmer, and mum of 3. I explore the power of movement—not as punishment or pressure, but as permission to shift stress and reconnect with your body.

Whether you're shearing sheep, feeding out hay, or stuck in a tractor cab for 14 hours, this episode helps you rethink movement in a way that works for you.

From tiny micro-movements to driveway walks and squats in the sheep yards, I share how movement can send signals of safety to your nervous system, anchor you to the present, and improve your day—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

What you'll learn:

• Why movement matters (even when you're exhausted)

• Simple strategies to build movement into your day

• How to use movement as a mindfulness practice

• Ways to stay accountable (even if you hate gyms)

Links & Resources:

• Farm Life Fitness⁠

• Fat Farmers

• Kate Ivey Fitness

• Saltbush Stretch

• Active Farmers⁠

Make sure you subscribe or follow to stay up to date with future episodes.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from it.

Send me your thoughts and feedback - steph@stephschmidt.com.au

Welcome to the Cultivate mini-series — bite-sized episodes from Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt that plant small seeds of change to support your mental health and wellbeing through the ups and downs of life on the land.

In this first episode, we’re talking about sleep — or the lack of it. Whether you’re out in the paddock working long hours or at home juggling everything else, sleep often gets sacrificed during seeding and other high-pressure seasons.

In this practical chat, Steph shares simple, evidence-based strategies to help you:

• Wind down and switch off (even with a wired, racing mind)

• Set up your space and body for rest

• Work with — not against — your sleep patterns

• Navigate alcohol, caffeine, and screen use mindfully

If your brain’s stuck in overdrive or you’re just plain exhausted, this one’s for you.

Stay up to date - www.stephschmidt.com.au/littlerocks

Send me your feedback - steph@stephschmidt.com.au

Share on socials and tag @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

In this solo episode of Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt, Steph returns after a break to share a powerful yet simple idea she’s leaning into right now—finding the AND.

Join farmer and psychologist (and mum of 3 amazing boys), Steph Schmidt, as she shares practical, paddock-tested strategies to navigate life on the land.

Life on the land is full of challenges—especially with the ongoing drought and uncertainty so many are facing across Australia. But amidst the stress, there can also be strength, connection, even tiny sparks of joy.

Steph unpacks what the AND means, why it matters, and how you can start practicing it today using three powerful steps:

• Acknowledge the hard

• Notice the joy

• Do what matters

Whether you're in the thick of seeding or navigating another hard season, this episode offers a compassionate check-in and some practical, doable tools to help you show up for what matters—without ignoring the struggle.

🔗 Connect with Steph on Instagram and Facebook - @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephschmidtfarmlifepsych/

or at stephschmidt.com.au

Help to share the message of Find The AND by sharing this episode with someone you care about, and share your AND moments on social media #FindTheAND

00:00 Introduction to Farm Life Psych

00:59 Welcome Back and Life Updates

02:08 The Importance of Finding 'AND'

04:11 Practical Strategies for Finding 'AND'

08:24 Acknowledging the Hard

10:07 Noticing the Joy

12:02 Doing What Matters

13:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, we dive into the Circle of Control, a simple yet powerful framework for managing stress and uncertainty—especially relevant in tough seasons like drought and floods. When so much in farming is outside of our control, how do we shift our energy toward what we can influence?

I explore:

• How to use the Circle of Control to navigate uncertainty.
• Managing difficult decisions—like expanding land holdings during dry conditions.
• Coping with guilt and grief, including losing an animal in your care.
• Practical strategies to direct your focus where it matters most.

I also answer two listener Ask Steph questions that tie into this theme, sharing real-life examples of how farmers can use this framework to reduce overwhelm and make clearer decisions.

Read More: Watch out for an upcoming article with AuctionsPlus where I explore the Circle of Control in farming.

Resources & Links:

• Follow me on Instagram: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
• Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
• Subscribe to my Substack: https://stephschmidt.substack.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or on social media and tag me!

It’s been a long, hot minute since I last recorded Farm Life Psych, but we’re here now. In this episode, I’m checking in—not just with myself, but with you too. If you’ve been feeling the weight of dry conditions, long harvests, or just the constant juggle of farm, family, and life, this episode is for you.

I’ll share some of the struggles and lessons from the past few months, as well as a simpleself-check-in exercise to help you pause, reflect, and take small steps forward. Because when life feels relentless, sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply stop and notice.

🎧Tune in to hear:
✔️ A personal update on farm stress, mental load, and navigating burnout
✔️ A simpleself-check-in exercise to reconnect with yourself
✔️ Why we often avoid checking in—and what happens when we finally do
✔️ How to assess what’sworking andwhat’s not in your daily habits
✔️ Small, doable actions to help you manage stress and build resilience

🛑Take a moment to pause, check in, and take one small action for yourself today.

💬Let’s continue the conversation!

📩What’s one thing you noticed when you checked in with yourself today? Send me a message on:
📍Instagram & Facebook:@stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
📍LinkedIn:Stephanie Schmidt
📍Email:steph@stephschmidt.com.au

💡Got a tricky challenge or a question for the podcast? Submit it for the ‘Ask Steph’ segment here:stephschmidt.com.au/asksteph.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or your partner—and don’t forget to follow or subscribe! 🎙️✨

Join Steph Schmidt: Farmer, Psychologist, Farm wief and Mum based in South Australia.

In this episode, Steph navigates through the ups and downs of farm life while offering valuable advice on mental well-being. She shares a "Find Your Feet" grounding techniques and tackle an "Ask Steph" question regarding managing the stress of working with farmers during a drought while living on a farm.

Key Topics:

1. Introduction to Grounding Techniques (00:00:00 - 00:02:11):

- Importance of taking moments to ground yourself in everyday life via focused breathing, using your senses, or feeling your feet on the ground.

2. Life on the Farm (00:02:11 - 00:05:17):

- The complexities of dealing with much-needed but potentially damaging rainfall.

- The emotional rollercoaster of weather impacts on crops and property.

3. Finding Your Focus (00:05:17 - 00:06:06):

- Overcoming scattered thoughts post-school holidays and learning to prioritize tasks effectively.

4. A Grounding Exercise (00:06:06 - 00:09:36):

- Step-by-step guide to a three-minute grounding exercise focusing on feet and body awareness.

- Encouragement to incorporate this practice into daily life and observe its benefits.

6. Ask Steph: Managing Farm Life and Work Boundaries (00:11:13 - 00:24:16):

- Tackling a listener's question about handling the emotional and logistical challenges of farm life during drought conditions.

- Practical advice on managing household water restrictions, laundry logistics, and maintaining emotional boundaries between work and home.

- Importance of self-care and seeking professional supervision in mental health roles.

7. Maintaining Balance and Well-Being (00:24:16 - 00:26:38):

- Emphasizing the need for self-care to ensure the ability to support others effectively.

- Discussion on the ongoing challenges and stresses of farm life and how to manage them.

Share the Love:

- Share your thoughts and experiences with Steph at [Email: steph@stephschmidt.com.au].

- Connect with Steph on social media:

- Instagram: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

- LinkedIn: Steph Schmidt

Quote of the Episode:

> "We can't give from an empty cup. So we can't keep giving to our clients, keep giving to people around us if we are not actually taking that time in caring and taking care of ourselves as well."

Resources:

- Reach out for individual support if needed:

- Consult with your GP or a mental health practitioner

- Grounding exercises and how to incorporate them into daily life

**Listener Question Submission:**

- Have a question for the "Ask Steph" segment? Submit your queries to HERE for a chance to be featured in future episodes.

Thank you for tuning in to the Farm Life Psych Podcast with Steph Schmidt. Stay grounded and take care! 🎙️🌾

Following on from the mini-sode of Episode 11 - this week we explore the things that get us stuck.

Exploring Catalysts and Kryptonites in Farm Life Psych

In this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmidt, a farmer, psychologist, farm wife, and mum, explores the idea of "kryptonites" - those little things that get us stuck. She shares her own experiences of feeling stuck and out of control, particularly during busy school holidays. She discusses the concept of identifying 'kryptonites'—the elements that lead to feelings of being stuck—and encourages listeners to notice these feelings to better manage them. Steph also shares listener feedback about personal catalysts that aid in well-being, emphasizing awareness and connection to the environment. The episode focuses on reflecting on emotional responses and making intentional choices to cope with challenges. Steph invites listeners to engage in discussions about their own 'kryptonites' and experiment with self-awareness over the week.

Finding Your Catalyst: Enhancing Well-being Amidst the Farm Life JuggleIn this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmidt, a farmer, psychologist, farm wife, and mother, introduces the concept of 'mini sodes' in the spirit of Bluey. She explores strategies to help navigate the challenges of farm life and tough times, focusing on identifying personal catalysts for improving mental health and well-being. Steph emphasizes the importance of finding that one activity, such as exercise or good sleep, that can trigger positive changes in other aspects of life. She encourages listeners to experiment with different catalysts and share their experiences on social media, fostering a community of ideas and support.

00:00 Introduction to Farm Life Psych

00:42 Navigating Tough Times

02:16 The Concept of a Catalyst

03:25 Personal Catalysts for Well-being

04:50 Finding Your Own Catalyst

06:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmidt, a farmer, psychologist, wife, and mum, delves into the mental load and stress faced by farmers, especially during challenging seasons.

Steph introduces the concept of cognitive defusion to help listeners get some space from their overwhelming thoughts and shares practical tools such as the 'I'm having the thought that' exercise and the leaves on the stream analogy.

The episode also addresses an "Ask Steph" question about staying sober while living alone in rural areas, highlighting the importance of resources like Sober in the Country and techniques like urge surfing.

Steph concludes by encouraging self-care, open communication, and compassion, and invites listeners to subscribe, share, and leave reviews to help spread the word about the podcast.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:41 Checking In and Managing Stress

07:12 Mindfulness and Cognitive Defusion

19:36 Ask Steph: Staying Sober in Isolation

27:54 Final Thoughts and Outro

Submit an Ask Steph Question

In this episode of Farm Life Psych, Steph Schmidt shares her firsthand experiences and practical strategies for managing stress in the challenging farming environment.

She explores the importance of acknowledging emotions and provides insights into the practice of radical acceptance. Steph underscores the impact of stress on relationships and emphasizes the importance of repairing ruptured connections. She also offers actionable tips for staying present and coping with difficult situations.

Tune in for a deep dive into mental resilience and practical ways to navigate tough times.

Get little reminders in your inbox: www.stephschmidt.com.au/littlerocks

00:00 Understanding Emotions in Difficult Situations

00:22 Introduction to Farm Life Psych Episode

00:37 Current Challenges in South Australian Farming

02:56 Personal Experiences and Observations

04:38 Managing Stress and Relationships

10:33 The Concept of Radical Acceptance

16:12 Practical Strategies for Coping

23:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

24:48 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In this episode of Farm Life Psych, host Steph Schmidt—a psychologist, farmer, farm wife, and mum—discusses the intricacies of recognizing and managing mental health challenges in the farming community. She explores symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, offering listeners insight into identifying these signs in themselves or loved ones. Steph provides practical steps for seeking help, including utilizing resources like Lifeline, online self-assessments, and consulting with GPs. Emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness on Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day, she also touches on the heightened mental health risks among rural and farming populations. Steph encourages listeners to prepare by saving crisis numbers and familiarizing themselves with mental health tools and resources. Tune in for valuable advice on navigating the emotional ups and downs of farm life.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate guidance for their individual circumstances from a qualified professional.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

⁠https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/⁠

⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au/⁠

⁠https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support⁠

⁠https://kidshelpline.com.au/⁠

https://www.mumspace.com.au/

⁠My list of psychologists who understand farming⁠

Connect with me:

Sign up for Little Rocks Weekly Reminders -⁠ www.stephschmidt.com.au/littlerocks⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephschmidtfarmlifepsych/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephschmidt.farmlifepsych⁠

00:00 Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Issues

00:41 Introduction to Farm Life Psych

01:28 Suicide Prevention and Farmer Mental Health

06:29 Understanding Stress and Mental Health

13:18 Self-Assessment and Online Resources

17:56 Seeking Professional Help

23:49 Utilizing Helplines and Support Networks

31:06 Conclusion and Next Steps