Tiarnan McCarthy: From Darkness to Light through Helping Others
The only thing that took away that distracted me from the fact that I was an absolute mess and I couldn't help myself was helping other people.
Imagine growing up in a place where loss seems to shadow every corner. For Tiarnan McCarthy, this was his reality in Twinbrook, Belfast. In this episode of 'Off Your Head', Tiarnan opens up about his turbulent late teens, marked by the tragic loss of three friends to suicide in quick succession. His attempt to raise awareness for suicide prevention was a noble cause, but it couldn't shield him from his own struggles with drugs and alcohol.
This heartfelt conversation takes you through Tiarnan's journey from the depths of addiction to the gradual climb towards recovery. Moving to Australia, he hoped for a fresh start, but found that the real change had to come from within. Through his candid storytelling, Tiarnan reveals how helping others became a lifeline for him. Whether it's through his personal training business or simply being there for someone in need, he found purpose and hope.
He also talks about the constant battle with mental health and the fear of judgment, which many can relate to. Tiarnan's story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is a way forward. Tune in to hear how he built a support system and learned to move past his fears, finding light through the act of helping others.