Conversations When a sea change collides with messy midlife
Jul 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, journalist Kate Halfpenny shares her transformative journey after moving to a beachside town during lockdowns. She candidly opens up about navigating perimenopause and coping with her husband’s alcoholism while embracing newfound leisure through boogie boarding. Kate reflects on family complexities, the challenges of being far from loved ones, and the surprising moments of clarity that emerged in her quieter life. This heartfelt conversation intertwines themes of resilience, personal growth, and navigating the messy realities of midlife.
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Father's Surf Struggle and Drunken Help
- Kate saw her father struggle in the surf, unable to stand due to bad knees and crashing waves.
- Her husband Chris was drunk in the water and couldn't help, leading Kate to rescue her father herself.
Postpartum Psychosis and Recovery
- Kate experienced severe psychosis postpartum, even contemplating carving her baby's name into her face.
- She was hospitalized but refused antidepressants due to breastfeeding concerns and pushed through her mental health crisis alone.
Ocean Grove: A Dreamlike Escape
- Early days at Ocean Grove felt like a permanent holiday with garden, cocktails, and beach time.
- Kate enjoyed boogie boarding and relaxing, embracing the slower pace of small town life.