Our Stories
Hunting Season & Wives Carrying the Load
When one person steps back, the other steps up
In rural Ontario, especially in communities like Stirling, Belleville, and surrounding areas, hunting season is a tradition. For many men, it’s more than just time off. It’s peace. It’s focus. It’s a mental reset and a way to reconnect with yourself and the outdoors.
But while one person gets to recharge in the woods, someone else is keeping everything together at home.
Hunting might be your break. But for her, it's a full-time job
Your partner is likely:
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Driving kids, handling routines, packing lunches
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Grocery shopping, making meals, cleaning up
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Juggling her own work and responsibilities
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Taking on emotional labour and the unexpected
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Doing it all without backup
This is what we talk about in men’s therapy sessions in Stirling and rural counselling across Ontario. It’s not about guilt. It’s about awareness and stepping into partnership even when you’re not physically there.
But while one person gets to recharge in the woods, someone else is keeping everything together at home.
Get ready before you go
Real preparation shows care. It also prevents unnecessary stress. Before you pack your gear, ask:
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Did I help get meals planned?
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Are school routines and logistics covered?
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Have I asked what she needs to feel supported?
These kinds of conversations come up a lot in blue-collar mental health support. You don’t have to be a therapist to know that real leadership starts at home.
Coming back? Give her time, too
When hunting week ends, your partner probably needs a break just as much as you did. Show appreciation, but also take action.
Try this:
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Give her a full day or weekend to herself
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Take care of the kids and the house without being asked
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Ask how it really went while you were gone and listen
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Thank her with actions, not just words
This is the type of support that keeps relationships strong. It’s something we work on in couples therapy for rural families, especially around Stirling and Belleville where traditional roles are still common but relationships are evolving.
Why this matters in men’s therapy
In therapy for men, especially those in trades, farming, or hands-on work, we often talk about balance. Not just work and life, but rest and responsibility. You can take your time to reset. You also need to see and support the people around you who make that possible.
True support is mutual. That’s what builds trust and long-term connection.
If this feels familiar, you're not alone
A lot of the men and couples we work with come in during high-stress seasons like this. Sometimes the first step is just having a quiet place to say it out loud.
If you want to talk, we’re here. No pressure. Just a real conversation that fits real life.