Grounding Through Nature, Growth & Getting Real About Mental Health
- admin91478
- Apr 8
- 6 min read
There’s something about the ocean that invites honesty—the kind that strips back the noise and helps us reconnect with what really matters, nature has a way of grounding us.
In this conversation with psychologist and passionate surfer Rob O’Hara, we dive into the powerful role of nature in supporting mental health and wellbeing. From surf therapy to breaking down stigma around seeking help, to what really supports someone navigating substance use or tough times, this chat is full of real insights and reminders that healing doesn’t always happen in a clinic room. Sometimes, it starts with a deep breath, a good yarn, or just being reminded you’re not alone.
Q: You have a background in surf therapy. How does the ocean play a role in mental health and well-being?
We know that connection to nature is an essential aspect of maintaining health and wellbeing for humans. I believe that nature – whether that be green or blue space – has a profound impact on our mental health, through its ability to ground us in the present moment and provide healthy perspective shifts in our thinking, which can arise through taking mindful time out connecting with the natural environment. Even taking just 5 minutes during the day to connect with nature can be beneficial!
The ocean is an incredible space for allowing us to decompress and give ourselves healthy space from our challenges on land – for this reason, we like to call the line where the water meets the sand the bullsh*t barrier! The ocean also challenges us to become comfortable with the uncertainty of the varying conditions. We learn to manage our lack of control over this and change our approach to how we move with or ride the waves, rather than resisting them. This is a powerful metaphor for life, in that we can’t always change our circumstances or situations, but we do have the ability and control to adapt how we approach them.
For me, surfing provides a healthy sense of my own insignificance, through being in an environment that’s largely out of my control. I find getting rolled around in the surf really helpful for sorting out my priorities in life.
Q: You’ve worked in a variety of psychology clinics, including drug and alcohol services and psychosis recovery. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve taken from those experiences?
Everyone has their own story – including cultural and demographic background, relationships with caregivers and social groups, past experiences and genetics; all of which contribute to where we’re at right now. I’ve learned that throughout life, everyone is trying their best with what they have and the resources that are available to them at the time. Through hearing people’s stories and learning from them with openness and curiosity, we can be quicker to listen and slower to judge.
It’s a privilege for people to share their stories and challenges with us, and to be able to learn from their experiences. There’s no one-size fits all when it comes to mental health treatment and recovery. Everyone is on their own journey, so a person-centred, curious and compassionate approach is essential.
Q: What do you think are some of the biggest barriers preventing men from seeking mental health support, and how can we break them down?
Firstly, it’s a common feeling that as blokes we need to be seen to be ‘strong’ – which often puts pressure on us to appear like we’re able to sort all our sh*t out and look after ourselves without help from anyone else (I’ve felt this too). From this, there can be a sense of shame and stigma around needing or wanting to seek help. I think to break this down we should view seeking help as a strength, rather than weakness. To take the responsibility to learn about ourselves and own our own stuff is among the strongest things we can do, and seeing a psychologist can be viewed as a powerful tool in our life toolbox – to help us grow as people and further build this sense of strength in ourselves.
Second, not understanding what psychology support actually involves can often be a barrier to seeking support. I’ve worked with guys who say they thought it was going to be this gnarly and intense experience where we delve straight into the hardest topics, or that psychs will just pepper you with questions about childhood and tell you what’s wrong with you or what you’re doing wrong in life. But often it’s not what people think. Mental health professionals are here to support, and that can involve meeting you where you’re at with what you need at the time – sometimes that can be sitting down for a relaxed yarn and even having a good laugh!
Lastly, sometimes sitting in an office isn’t everyone’s preference. Walk and Talk outdoors can be a great alternative option!
Q: What are some of the most effective ways to support someone who is struggling with alcohol or substance use?
An important starting point is to take judgement out of it. When we judge, people shut down and don’t feel comfortable to open up. When we have judgement-free and curious conversations, we can learn from one another and come to understand a person’s past experiences and reasons for feeling that they need or want to use alcohol or other substances. From here, we can have open discussions and consider how to best support them based on what they really need at the time, rather than what others or society think they need.
Q: You work with a range of people, including adolescents and adults. How do approaches to mental health differ across different age groups?
The approaches of person-centred and trauma-informed care are important across the lifespan, but it’s important to meet people where they’re at in life and consider the specific challenges and pressures that align with their age group. For example for adolescents, respecting their autonomy and independence is crucial, whilst also acknowledging that they are not yet adults and still need adult care and support as they develop and grow into adulthood.
My aim in mental health support work for all people is to empower them to positively engage with their own mental health and wellbeing. This can involve helping them to develop the skills and capacity to learn further about their inner-experiences and support themselves where possible, promoting healthy lifestyle practices and routines, and discussing helpful extra support options that they can access when needed.
Q: What is one small but impactful mindset shift or habit that can help someone struggling with mood or anxiety challenges?
It can be easier said than done, but being kind and compassionate to ourselves when experiencing low mood or anxiety is helpful. Most people will experience mood or anxiety challenges throughout their life, so to experience these does not mean there is anything fundamentally wrong with us. It just means that right now things are pretty tough - and while this is hard, it’s ok not to be ok!
Asking ourselves what we need during these times and giving ourselves permission to act on these is important (e.g., saying no to some obligations, having time to ourselves, spending time in nature, engaging in physical or other activity, catching up with mates or family, or seeking professional support). It’s also important to acknowledge that our usual expectations which we place on ourselves might not fit right now, so try not to get disappointed if we don’t meet these, and celebrate the wins you do accomplish – no matter how big or small!
Q: If you could share one message with someone who is hesitant about reaching out for mental health support, what would it be?
It’s ok that it feels uncomfortable to seek help. However, it can be a highly valuable and sometimes life changing experience. Mental health professionals are trained to listen, understand and support as appropriate; not to judge. You are also able take it at your own pace during sessions to ensure you feel comfortable and safe.
It can be an incredibly helpful experience to find a therapist that you click with. It’s also ok if this doesn’t happen first try, we’re all human – so different psychologists will suit different people. If you’re considering reaching out, this is a sign that it could be helpful for you. It’s a sign of strength to ask for help; it’s not weak.
