Bryon Hatch: Speaking His Truth
When a colleague shared her story about childhood trauma, Byron felt comfortable opening up at work.
Byron Hatch grew up keeping secrets — about his alcoholic family, his turbulent home life, and the physical and emotional abuse he endured.
“One of the curses of childhood abuse is children are groomed to stay silent,” says Byron, whose journey toward healing began when he attended an Adult Children of Alcoholics meeting at the age of 19.
It was through that 12-step program that Byron learned the importance of speaking one’s truth.
“In that moment, I was no longer isolated. With each successive speaker, I realized I was not alone,” he says. “When asked to speak, I opened my mouth and cried for 30 minutes. I then experienced support from everyone in the room.”
That was four decades ago, and since then he’s built a “simple, fulfilling, uncomplicated life.” The principal national account manager for GE Appliances says, “I live in gratitude every day for the blessings afforded me.”
Byron successfully broke the cycle of secrets and isolation that took root in childhood and developed a strong community of recovery. And though he frequently shares his story with others in recovery, there are boundaries to that openness. For example, he never would have considered discussing his personal life at work.
But that all changed when he read the story of Michele Clark, Global WellWithin Leader at GE Appliances.
A light in the darkness
As part Mental Health Matters month in May, Michele recently opened up about her journey through anxiety, beginning with the trauma of growing up with an alcoholic father.
At the end of the article, employees were invited to share their own mental health stories. Much to his surprise, Byron felt inspired to click the link and speak his truth.
“I had a great deal of respect for Michele’s fearlessness and honesty,” says Byron, adding that her story made him rethink the chasm between his personal and work personas.
Byron will be 60 in a few months, and until now, he never would have considered discussing such issues in his work environment.
But if he’s learned anything through recovery, it’s that honesty and open communication can help those who are struggling. There is power and healing in the knowledge that others have experienced similar trials and tribulations in life — and that you are not alone. (In fact, it’s worth noting that 100% of employees who responded to the poll accompanying Michele’s story said they could relate to her struggles.)
“Isolation is a self-constructed prison that many place themselves in as a twisted coping mechanism,” says Byron, who acknowledges his journey to recovery and mental wellbeing continues to this day.
Sharing his story here is another milestone on that journey.
Do you have a story about your mental health that could help others? Share it here.