Glen Thurston: Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health and Firearms Ownership in Rural Communities

This podcast with Glen talks about, firearms, hunting, firearms laws, mental health and suicide.

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or out-of-sorts, here’s some numbers that can connect you 24 hours a day to people trained to help:

Free call or text 1737
Lifeline 0800 543 354
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, please call 111

What happens when the fear of losing your firearms license stops you from seeking the mental health support you need? Join us as we explore this critical issue with Glen Thurston from Mental Hunts, who shares his personal experiences navigating the stigma and legislation that often keep gun owners from reaching out for help. Glen's journey and the work of Mental Hunts highlight the power of open conversation, from hunting YouTube channels to podcasts, in changing perceptions and providing resources for rural and farming communities.

Throughout our discussion, we tackle the misinformation surrounding firearms legislation and mental health, emphasizing the importance of trust-building within the gun-owning community. By collaborating with authorities like the Fire and Safety Authority and the Ministerial Arms Advisory Group, efforts are underway to rewrite legislation and foster understanding among health practitioners and police officers. Glen talks about his own experiences and how options like temporarily surrendering firearms licenses can encourage individuals to seek help without the fear of losing their rights permanently.

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Chapters

• 0:02 Breaking Barriers for Firearms License Holders
• 9:49 Mental Health Awareness Among Gun Owners
• 16:48 Nature's Healing Power for Mental Health
• 20:47 Seeking Mental Health Support in Queenstown