Dr Chris Henry’s path to psychiatry wasn’t a straight line, but it’s one that’s deeply shaped by experience, empathy and cultural identity.
A psychiatry registrar in his third year of training, Chris works in Albury Wodonga Health’s Brain and Mind Centre as part of the Adult Community Mental Health Team.
Chris is a proud Walbunja man from Yuin Country, on the South Coast of New South Wales — or as he calls it, “a saltwater man.” Chris draws on both his cultural identity and his diverse life experiences as a mature-age student to bring compassion and understanding to his work.
Here’s his story:
How long have you worked at AWH, and what does your role involve?
“I’ve been with AWH for about four years now, working across both hospitals and the Kerferd Unit in Wangaratta. I’ve also done rotations in the adult inpatient setting, consultation liaison psychiatry at Albury and Wodonga hospitals, child and adolescent mental health and with the Youth Early Intervention Team.
At the moment, I’m based at the Brain and Mind Centre, which is the adult community mental health team in Albury. Our patients are case-managed in the community, so I see them for medication reviews, mental health assessments, and when they’re becoming acutely unwell. My goal is always to help manage their care in the least restrictive way possible.”
What inspired you to work in mental health?
“Psychiatry wasn’t actually part of my plan. I started studying medicine as a mature-age student after a few other careers. I’ve worked in hospitality, had my own painting business, and I have a Bachelor of Health Science in Chinese Medicine.
I initially wanted to be a rural generalist. A lot of people see their GP for mental health concerns, so I thought I’d do a rotation in psychiatry as an intern to understand it better. I really enjoyed it and was told I’d make a great psychiatrist, so I applied for the training program and was successful. After 12 months of training, I knew it was the right fit for me.
What I enjoy most is listening to people’s stories. I like to have a yarn. For me, it’s not just about medication — it’s about hearing people, understanding their lives, and helping connect them with services that can support them to have a better quality of life.”
What shapes your approach to mental health?
“As a mature-age student, I have a lot of life experience which I draw on to relate to people regardless of where they come from.
If I’m seeing someone who is also Indigenous, I try to provide culturally safe care by creating an environment where people feel respected, empowered, inclusive and heard. Whoever I’m seeing, I give them the space and opportunity to be heard.
There’s a lot of unresolved trauma in our communities, so being able to offer a safe space, where someone can speak freely and be listened to, is really important.
I also help my colleagues when they have questions about cultural safety, which is something I’m proud to contribute to.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
“Most days, I see a number of patients back-to-back. It could be a routine medication review, a discharge appointment, or an urgent consultation if someone is becoming unwell.
I also meet regularly with my supervisors and mentors, and I’m always studying, researching, or preparing for the next exam or assessment. There’s a lot of learning involved in becoming a psychiatrist.”
What are some of the challenges in your work?
“Balancing everything across work, study, research and self-care can be tough. There’s always a lot going on, and it can be easy to forget to make time for yourself. You need to make sure you’ve got good support around you.”
How do you look after your own mental health?
“For me, it’s about getting out into nature. When I’m back home on Country, I go surfing, paddle-boarding or spearfishing. Here, I like camping around Mitta Mitta. I try to catch trout, though I’m not very good at it!
It’s healing for me to be on Country. But when that’s not possible, being in nature and looking up at the stars gives me that same sense of calm. I always feel rejuvenated afterwards.”
What’s your message for Mental Health Month?
“Be kind to the little people — that’s what my mum always told me. Be kind to yourself and to others. It doesn’t take much, but it can make a huge difference to someone who’s struggling.”
“Walawanni njindiwan” translated “Safe journey to you all”