Embracing the Outback: Jess Jordan’s Journey to Mental Health and Fundraising

Greetings from the remote outback of Queensland! I’m Jess Jordan, a teacher in my 40s, and I’ve traded the bustling city life of Brisbane for a three-year stint in a small town 1000km away from home. My husband and I initially planned to settle on the Sunshine Coast, but first, we committed to country service, a requirement for landing our dream jobs in the sunny coast.

Living out here is quite an adventure. Our town is so remote that the water needs to be filtered and boiled before it’s safe to drink. The nearest Woolworths is a 340km round trip (170km each way), and when the power goes out, we also lose phone service, leaving us completely cut off from the outside world. With no GP and not even a pub in sight, the town’s isolation is profound.

At about the three-month mark, I decided to set a personal fundraising goal: $3000 in three years. Each month, I embarked on short-term fundraisers for various organizations. By the 15-month mark, I registered for the Rocky River Run and chose to support LIVIN, a mental health organization. The choice was a no-brainer. Running has been instrumental in maintaining my positive mindset, and LIVIN’s mission to promote mental health awareness resonated deeply with me.

Mental health challenges are significant in the outback. Our tiny town of about 100 people experienced a suicide less than ten months ago. I’ve also been personally impacted by suicide; in 1999, I found my 48-year-old father-in-law after he took his own life. These experiences fuel my commitment to raising awareness and supporting mental health initiatives.

While I don’t usually dish out advice, here are a few life changes that have been lifesavers for me:

1. No More Alcohol: It’s a depressant, and giving it up has made a world of difference.
2. Grow Your Own Greens: I started growing MicroGreens, which has been both therapeutic and nutritious.
3. Stay Informed and Inspired: Reading non-fiction and tuning into science podcasts like The Drive and Huberman Lab keeps my mind active and engaged.
4. Healthy Living: Eating well, exercising regularly, and keeping my mind occupied with meaningful activities have been crucial.
5. Reach Out: Staying connected with family and friends has provided immense support.

I’m currently running a LIVIN fundraiser with the goal of raising $500. If you’d like to contribute to this cause and help keep the conversation about mental health going, you can donate here.

Living a healthy lifestyle has transformed my life. If my story can help even one person and my fundraising efforts can support ongoing conversations about mental health, then I consider it a success.

Happy smiles and warm wishes,

Jess Jordan