Hi all. Do you want to wind down? Kiss most of your anxiety away? The ultimate tree change might be the answer.
I was raised in the western suburbs of Melbourne. I hated it. It was so much in contrast to my pops fairy farm in Tasmania that we visited for xmas every year. I had to get out and joined the RAAF at 17yo.
Since then I came and went from the city and each time I left the city my anxiety reduced overall. So what is it about the country that relaxes us?
No or few traffic lights and few cars, rarely see parking metres, greater distance between neighbours, more pleasurable walks, more flora and fauna, less noise and pollution, lower overall living costs...and more I cant think of.
Its subjective but I feel the people are friendlier and the crime rate lower...its less dangerous.
My first permanent move was one hour from Melbourne, then 90 minutes, then 2 hours and now over 2 hours. Ive found that the first two moves meant I mixed with commuters like me, working in the city. Eventually living much further away I'm living amongst seasoned country people which is more to my liking.
What about finances? Well a move to the country can reduce financial stress. Currently you can buy a home for $180,000 2 hours from Melbourne. Recently on holidays I saw many homes in northern NSW in the hills for as little as $90,000. These towns have hospitals and shops.
Self preservation with mental illness is a priority, it sounds selfish but its even more important than living in close proximity to family. As individuals we have to take measures to preserve ourselves. My daughter lives in the city...its taken as a Sunday drive visiting her.
There are obstacles. Work issues, will you pick the right town?, facilities, in town or out of town?, will it be easy to sell if you cant adapt?
Ive lived in country towns. The first a hamlet no shops, primary school only. The second with pub, store, 7 minutes from town of 10,000 and currently the same,town of 200 with a store and pub with town of 4,000 10 minutes away. For me its ideal and being over 2 hours from the city its really relaxing. Eventually a move into the larger town is inevitable. Aged care is there.
Some large country cities provide little benefit to the transformation. However, my sister remains a city person regardless of her depression and bipolar. We drove past high rise units in the city "thats where I want to live" she said. Yuk!
Other ideas to reduce anxiety are listed in
Topic: be radical- beyondblue
Tony WK
