Finding Hope in Hardship: A Family’s Message to the Community About Mental Health and Substance Use
LACONIA, NH – When people met Todd Taylor, they saw a devoted father, a steady job, and a close-knit family. What they didn’t see was his lifelong struggle with mental health challenges, a family history of addiction, and years spent trying to find the proper treatment before passing away from an accidental overdose in 2018.
Today, his family shares his story to help others feel less alone and to encourage those struggling to reach out sooner.
“My husband wasn’t defined by his illness,” said Tarah Morel-Taylor. “He tried so hard. You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. There are people who understand and want to help.”
Local providers agree that early support can be lifesaving. The Director of Substance Use Services for Concord Hospital - Franklin and Laconia, Corey Gately, MLADC, says many patients face barriers like Todd’s.
“No one should have to wait for help,” said Gately, who also oversees the Recovery Clinic in Franklin and Gilford as well as Laconia’s Doorway. “Asking for help is courageous. Whether someone is taking their first step or has struggled for years, we meet people exactly where they are without judgment.”
For many, symptoms can begin subtly: seasonal sadness, overwhelming stress, isolation, exhaustion, changes in sleep or appetite, or a loss of interest in once-loved hobbies. Todd’s fight began with depression and anxiety that he struggled to stabilize despite trying multiple medications.
Gately emphasizes that it is the act of reaching out, not the absence of struggle, that defines strength. “Asking for help is not failure. It’s courage. And there is a whole team ready to walk alongside you.”
Resources are available throughout the region. Concord Hospital Health System’s primary care practices can help patients recognize early signs of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse and connect them to counseling or medication support. The Doorway offers 24/7 access to treatment, recovery coaches, and referrals for long-term care. The Recovery Clinic at Concord Hospital – Laconia provides evidence-based care for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
By offering grace, eliminating stigma, and encouraging others to reach for help sooner, families like Todd’s are helping transform heartache into hope.
“We can’t change what happened to my husband,” Tarah said. “But we can change what happens to someone else. If sharing his story encourages even one person to reach out for help, then his struggle wasn’t for nothing.”
Mental health struggles and substance use disorders touch every community. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use challenges, help is available now, and there is no wrong time to reach out. For information on mental health and substance use resources, visit concordhospital.org or contact The Doorway in your region.
