GiGi Leahy

Sitting with Silence

As a counsellor, I’ve spent years sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments, helping them make sense of their pain, their growth, and everything in between. But long before I ever trained in this field, I was a teenager struggling deeply with my own mental health. Those years were dark and confusing, and they’ve stayed with me — not as wounds, but as reminders of why this work matters so much. My lived experience is what first sparked my passion, and it continues to fuel my commitment to walk alongside others with empathy, understanding, and hope.

This September, I'm participating in the 20Talk Challenge, where I'll spend 20 hours in silent reflection within a small 2x2 square. This initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health—a cause close to my heart. For me, it's not just about sitting quietly; it's a symbolic gesture of solidarity and support, and a unique opportunity to revisit parts of myself that lay quiet.

Silence has a profound way of allowing us to connect with our thoughts, emotions, and the world around us. It's in these quiet moments that we often find clarity and understanding. By taking part in this challenge, I hope to shine a light on the importance of mental health awareness and the need for ongoing support for young people facing similar challenges.

As both a person and a professional, I believe it's crucial to contribute meaningfully to causes that impact our communities. This challenge is a small yet significant way for me to give back and to advocate for the well-being of our youth.

Join me in supporting youth mental health by spreading the word, donating, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health awareness in our society. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for your support and encouragement.

For the messy, honest, human moments.

I'm participating in this challenge as someone who knows what it’s like to struggle with mental health—and as a counsellor who has the privilege of walking alongside others through their own hard stuff. This challenge is important because it strips things back. It gives me space to stop hiding, to feel what's really there, and to show up as my full, messy, human self. I'm doing this for me, and for everyone who’s ever felt like they had to keep it all together when they were falling apart inside. I celebrate my life as it is now an honour the inner work it took to get here.