Mental Health and Agriculture in New Zealand with Kathryn Wright

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Summary

In this conversation, Kathryn Wright, a mental health professional and farmer from New Zealand, discusses various topics related to agriculture and mental health. She shares insights into the agriculture industry in New Zealand, including deer farming and agricultural exports. Kathryn also talks about her research on rural mental health and the barriers young rural men face in seeking help. She emphasizes the importance of social connection and understanding farming life in mental health care. Additionally, Kathryn provides guidance on supporting children and teens in grief, as well as navigating complex relationships in grief. In this conversation, Caite Palmer, Arlene, and guest Katherine Wright discuss various aspects of grief and death. They explore the importance of embracing grief as a natural part of loving people and the need to acknowledge death instead of avoiding it. The conversation also delves into changing attitudes towards death, including the practice of bringing the deceased home and spending time with them. Alternative end-of-life care options and the role of respite services are highlighted. The discussion also touches on finding comfort in concrete actions and balancing grief with daily responsibilities. The hosts and guest share their thoughts on avoiding platitudes in grief and the underinvestment in youth mental health. The conversation concludes with information on how to connect with Kathryn Wright.

Takeaways

• Grief is a natural part of loving people, and it is important to embrace it rather than avoid it.
• Changing attitudes towards death include practices like bringing the deceased home and spending time with them.
• Alternative end-of-life care options, such as respite services, provide comfort and support for families.
• Finding comfort in concrete actions, such as helping with household tasks, can be a meaningful way to show love and support.
• Balancing grief with daily responsibilities can be challenging, and it is important to seek support and accept help from others.
• Grief is a lifelong companion, and while it may become lighter over time, it never fully goes away.
• Avoid using platitudes when comforting someone who is grieving, and instead offer genuine support and empathy.
• There is a need for greater investment in youth mental health to ensure early intervention and support for young people.
• Extending grace and kindness to others, as everyone carries their own burdens, can create a more compassionate society.
• To connect with Kathryn Wright, visit her Instagram page (@ag_mental_health_nz) or her website (www.kathrynwright.co.nz).

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and What Are You Growing?
• 01:20 Overview of Agriculture in New Zealand
• 04:23 Deer Farming and Agriculture Exports
• 07:37 Transition to Agriculture and Mental Health
• 10:35 Research on Rural Mental Health
• 14:51 Impact of Telehealth on Access to Care
• 17:20 Importance of Understanding Farming Life in Mental Health Care
• 19:11 Research on Social Connection and Mental Wellbeing
• 20:50 Impact of Forestry on Rural Communities
• 26:03 Understanding Grief and the Stages of Grief
• 32:09 Supporting Children in Grief
• 40:24 Supporting Teens and Complex Grief
• 45:16 Grieving Complex Relationships
• 49:21 Embracing Grief and Acknowledging Death
• 51:11 Changing Attitudes Towards Death
• 53:43 Alternative End-of-Life Care Options
• 55:44 Finding Comfort in Concrete Actions
• 56:23 Balancing Grief and Daily Responsibilities
• 58:53 Carrying Grief as a Lifelong Companion
• 01:05:05 Cussing and Discussing: Avoiding Platitudes in Grief
• 01:06:28 Cussing and Discussing: Underinvestment in Youth Mental Health
• 01:08:57 Cussing and Discussing: Extending Grace and Kindness
• 01:10:58 Connecting with Kathryn Wright