Michele Scherr and I explored what happens when the structure, identity and purpose that once defined your life suddenly disappear. Michele speaks openly about her transition out of military service and the deep emotional toll that followed. The isolation, the loss of meaning and the quiet despair that can sit beneath the surface even when support appears to be all around you.

She is a former nurse, military veteran and precision health specialist who understands transition from the inside out. She shares what it felt like to lose not one identity, but two, and how that unravelling led her into a period of depression, suicidal ideation and a profound questioning of her value and place in the world. This conversation goes where many avoid, into the spaces people rarely speak about once the uniform comes off or a chapter closes.

We talk about why identity and purpose sit at the core of mental health during major life transitions, why the first year after leaving structured environments can be the most dangerous and how the noise of modern life makes it harder to hear what we need. Michele explains how listening to the body, understanding individual design and creating the right environment can become powerful anchors when everything else feels uncertain.

If you’re in a season of change or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clarity, compassion and a reminder that purpose can be rebuilt, one step at a time.

Inside this podcast:

- Why identity loss can quietly unravel mental health

- How major life transitions impact purpose and belonging

- Why the body holds clues to how you are designed to thrive

- The role of environment in healing and rebuilding identity

- Why asking for help is often the hardest but most important step

Connect with Michele Scherr:

LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michele-scherr

Website → personalisedhealthandwellbeingsolutions.com.au

Connect with Steve:

Instagram → https://bit.ly/3KARQhR

LinkedIn → https://bit.ly/48sw8Vj

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Struggling to get out of bed and the silent weight of transition

00:02:00 - S*icidal ideation and feeling isolated despite support

00:04:00 - Why this conversation matters beyond the military

00:07:30 - The growing noise of modern life and constant stimulation

00:11:00 - Leaving nursing and military service at the same time

00:13:00 - Losing identity, value and a sense of contribution

00:17:30 - Precision health and understanding individual design

00:21:30 - Environment as a key factor in mental health and healing

00:26:00 - Identity and purpose as core challenges in transition

00:30:00 - Why defence struggles to prepare people for civilian life

00:35:00 - Creating a foundation before adding support programs

00:40:00 - Personalisation, sustainability, and long term wellbeing

00:46:00 - Gender differences in identity, purpose, and expectations

00:52:00 - Giving yourself grace during transition

00:54:00 - Finding what works for you and cultivating community

00:57:00 - Identity evolution through different life stages

01:01:00 - Supporting loved ones through transition with communication

01:05:00 - Boundaries, behaviour, and healthy ways to release emotion

01:10:00 - Reaching out for help and breaking internal barriers

01:13:00 - Why people struggle to respond when someone is honest

01:15:00 - Where to find Michele and closing reflections

ABOUT THE PODCAST SHOW

The Noise of Life is a podcast that shares real stories, raw truths, and remarkable growth. Hosted by Steve Hodgson a coach, facilitator, speaker and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. This podcast dives deep into the “noise” we all face, the distractions, doubts and challenges that can pull us away from who we truly are.