Negative Grief and Recovery with Taryn Hiatt

In this conversation, Coach Blu and Taryn Hyatt explore the profound themes of grief, recovery, and the stigma surrounding addiction and suicide. Taryn shares her personal journey of loss, including the suicide of her father and her own struggles with substance use. They discuss the importance of empathy, the need for open conversations about mental health, and the cultural perceptions that often hinder healing. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of community support and the ongoing fight against the stigma associated with mental health issues. In this conversation, Coach Blu discusses the intricate relationship between mental health, substance abuse, and the impact of grief and loss. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to express their feelings and the need for compassion in the face of tragedy. The discussion also highlights the unique challenges faced by men in addressing their mental health and the societal norms that often inhibit emotional expression. Coach Blu shares personal experiences and insights on navigating grief, the significance of remembering loved ones, and the resources available for mental health support.

Taryn Aiken Hiatt is a dedicated advocate who shares her story and passion to give hope and educate about suicide. She is a survivor of her own attempts as well as a survivor of suicide loss, losing her father Terry on October 5, 2002. She also struggled with substance abuse for many years.

Taryn has a masters in social work and is a founding member of the Utah Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and currently serves as the Area Director for Utah and Nevada. She is also a certified safeTALK, CONNECT Postvention, and Mental Health First Aid Trainer, facilitating hundreds of seminars to many different groups.

Taryn is a passionate advocate for change and has been featured in both U.S. News and The Huffington Post. She has testified before Congressional members in Washington, DC, to increase awareness and support for better access to mental health services and to promote healthy discussions about suicide. She is widely respected for her hard work and dedication to saving lives. 
You can find resources at https://nursing.utah.edu/caring-connections If you're struggling with mental health or thoughts of self harm please call 988.

Takeaways

Grief is a universal experience that everyone goes through.
Empathy is crucial in understanding the struggles of those dealing with addiction and loss.
Normalizing conversations about suicide can help reduce stigma.
The impact of addiction often intertwines with grief and loss.
Cultural beliefs can significantly affect how we perceive suicide and mental health.It's important to educate others about the realities of suicide and addiction.
Support systems are vital for those grieving the loss of loved ones to suicide.
Personal stories can be powerful tools for healing and understanding.
Recovery is a journey that often requires confronting past traumas.
We must continue to advocate for open discussions about mental health. Drinking alcohol can worsen mental health issues.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Grief and Recovery
04:54 Personal Stories of Loss and Healing
09:57 Navigating Grief in the Context of Addiction
14:48 Understanding Suicide and Mental Health
19:55 Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide
25:04 Cultural