A Conversation with Shannon Gehrig, Mental Health Practitioner

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.

In honour of Time to Talk Day, Social Prescriber Nora Kerezovic sat down with colleague and Adult Mental Health Practitioner Shannon Gehrig to discuss the complexities of mental health and what we all can do to support ourselves and loved ones.

Shannon, as a Mental Health Practitioner, could you please cast some light into the fact that people talk openly about physical ailments as opposed to their mental health? What do you believe is the barrier?

One of the biggest challenges in supporting mental health is that we don’t yet understand it as well as we understand our physical health.  Because of this lack of understanding, it’s easy to fall into thinking that people have full control over their mental health—believing that they can simply choose to “just get on with things” and choose not to be depressed, anxious, have addictions, and reactions to trauma.  We think because people have a choice we can have expectations and judgements about their choices, that they are making a poor choice, being lazy, not working hard enough, failing.  Since no one likes being judged negatively, we often avoid talking about our mental health struggles out of fear of being judged harshly about our “poor choices”.

The truth is, mental health is not a choice—it’s a part of being human, and it deserves the same compassion, support, and understanding we would give to someone struggling with a physical illness. If we can learn to approach mental health with the same empathy and openness as we do with physical health, we can help create a space where people feel safe to share their struggles and seek the support they need, free from fear of judgement.

How can we do better/differently to improve and overcome this barrier?

We can remind ourselves people do have choice over some things that influence our mental health, such as nutrition, sleep, connection with others, purpose, exercise, self compassion, becoming aware of our unhelpful thinking patterns.  But mental health is not a matter of choice in the way we often think of it.  There are also significant factors that we don’t have control over which drastically impact us throughout our life such as childhood trauma, generational trauma, and genetics and these often prevent us from making wise lifestyle choices. The brain and mental health are complex, deeply influenced by a mix of biology, environment, and experience. There’s no on/off switch for feelings, no “one size fits all” solution.  This more nuanced understanding of mental health creates room for compassion for our own struggles and those of others.  When we show ourselves and others understanding, warmth, and empathy, we reduce fear and increase trust which reduces shame.  Reducing shame allows us to face our problems, and slowly change our unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.

The adage goes: A problem shared is a problem halved, how can we create the optimum space for someone to share? Promote the reason for sharing and encourage them to do so…

When we come together, whether to share our struggles, our joys, or our thoughts, one of the most important things we can offer each other is safety. Safety isn’t just about physical space; it’s about emotional space. It’s about knowing we can express ourselves without fear of judgement, and that we’ll be heard with respect and understanding.

A crucial part of creating that emotional safety is providing two things that all humans need: acknowledgement and validation. These simple yet profound actions allow us to connect with each other in meaningful ways, even when we may not share the same perspective.

Acknowledge someone’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but it shows that you see them for who they are and what they’re going through. Validation goes a step further—letting someone know that their emotions and experiences are supported, even if they differ from your own.  By offering these two gifts, we help create a space where healing can begin.

Can you talk me through the journey a patient might have from an initial referral to you? Where do you signpost/make referrals to, to further equip and empower them, if needs be?

In my role, I have the privilege of connecting with a diverse group of individuals, ranging from those facing mild or moderate challenges to those experiencing more severe mental health struggles. One of the most rewarding parts of this work is being able to offer a roadmap—guiding people through the complex landscape of mental health and directing them to the resources they need to take the next step in their journey toward well-being.

Often, these next steps involve connecting individuals with the fantastic Social Prescribers at Ruils, a service that takes the time to listen, offering personalised guidance to ensure people have access to the resources that meet their unique needs, whether that’s support for housing, finances, food security, or mental and physical health. This level of care is essential in addressing mental health challenges.

When people have access to basic survival needs, education, disability support, social connection, and mental health support, they can begin to rebuild their sense of agency and feel that they have the tools, support, and resources to care for themselves and take control of their lives.  It’s amazing to witness the transformation that happens when someone who feels overwhelmed by life’s challenges is given the support they need to take small, manageable steps forward. Whether it’s securing stable housing, accessing counselling, or finding social connections, these resources offer a sense of stability and possibility that can spark lasting change.

If you need mental health support, you are not alone. There are a variety of services and people available to listen and support you through what you are feeling. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Speak with your GP, access our Bridging the Gap Mental Health Booklet, find activities and services local to you on the Joy App or reach out to our team and we can signpost you to the right support.