From Crisis to Clarity: How a Call to 988 Changed Everything with Gretchen Schoser
“Every time we share our stories, we unlock somebody else’s prison.”
Gretchen Schoser is a distinguished mental health advocate, podcast host, and entrepreneur who has transformed personal adversity into global influence. After a pivotal personal crisis in late 2022, she took the courageous step of calling the 988 crisis line, a decision that not only saved her life but also ignited a mission to bring mental health conversations to the forefront. Gretchen co-hosts the popular podcast "That Goes on in Our Heads," alongside Dirty Skittles. She is dedicated to candidly discussing mental health issues and has reached over 1 million listeners across more than 60 countries. Additionally, Gretchen has founded Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions, leveraging over 30 years of experience to enhance workplace wellness and leadership.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of "Oh, My Health… There's Hope!" host Jana Short welcomes the formidable Gretchen Schoser, a mental health advocate and entrepreneur, to share her inspiring journey from crisis to empowerment. Gretchen recounts her life-changing decision to call 988 on Christmas Day in 2022, a critical moment that not only saved her life but also paved the way for her to launch a successful mental health podcast. This episode explores Gretchen's mission to normalize conversations about mental health, highlighting the importance of connection, humor, and sharing personal stories as vehicles for healing.
Gretchen reflects on her struggles with depression, the stigma around mental health, and the lack of early education in recognizing mental health issues. She emphasizes the power of storytelling to unlock others' pain, inspiring hope and change. As Gretchen discusses her venture into entrepreneurship at 61, she provides listeners with uplifting insights and practical advice for navigating mental health challenges and encouraging others to seek help when needed. The episode advocates for a broader acceptance of mental health discourse, urging listeners to be kind and supportive to one another in an unpredictable world.
Key Takeaways:
Recognition and Response: Gretchen stresses the importance of recognizing signs of mental health struggles and being responsive to them, emphasizing the transformative power of asking the right questions.
The Role of Laughter and Storytelling: Sharing stories and finding humor in difficult situations can be powerful tools for healing and connecting with others on a profound level.
Embracing Change at Any Age: Gretchen's decision to launch a new consulting business at 61 exemplifies that it's never too late to pursue passion and make meaningful life changes.
Mental Health Advocacy: Advocating for mental health awareness is crucial, and anyone can make a difference by being open and supportive to those around them.
Resources and Support: Utilization of resources like the 988 crisis line is vital, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Resources:
@grex_and_dirtyskittles/
Get a free subscription to the Best Holistic Life Magazine, one of the fastest-growing independent magazines centered around holistic living: https://bestholisticlife.info/BestHolisticLifeMagazine.
Get in touch with Jana and listen to more podcasts:
https://www.janashort.com/
Show Music ‘Hold On’ by Amy Gerhartz: https://www.amygerhartz.com/music.
Grab your FREE gift today: https://bestholisticlife.info/BestHolisticLifeMagazine
Connect with Jana Short: https://www.janashort.com/contact/
