Tara J. Lal - Firefighter, mental health researcher, speaker and author
- xtinecruzat
- Dec 13, 2022
- 4 min read
Tara in her own words:
“I don’t really think of myself as tough. I’ve always loved adventures. I did my first expedition when I was 18 and it ignited a passion. I am now a firefighter. I’ve represented Australia in my slightly crazy sport of surf boat rowing at the age of 47 and I cycled 5000 km’s unsupported across Australia in 2021, yet I often think that the toughest challenges of my life have not been physical.
Rather it has been the journey to heal the relationship with myself after a traumatic childhood that has been the toughest challenge I have undertaken.
Writing my book ‘Standing on my Brothers Shoulders – making peace with grief and suicide’ was a huge part of that journey. It challenged me in every way possible but was also one of my greatest teachers and proudest achievements.
Although I am a physiotherapist and firefighter, my book led me to work in the field of mental health and wellbeing. I am now nearing the end of a PhD exploring the impact of suicide on firefighters.
In 2017, I was a finalist in the Rotary Inspirational woman of the year awards and in January 2022, as part of the Australia Day Honours, I was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), which recognises distinguished service by an Australian Fire Service member for my work supporting suicide prevention and mental health of firefighters.
I think life is an adventure and it can take many forms!”
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Listen to Tara Now!
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Show notes
Who is Tara
Her different jobs and interests
Moving to Sydney in the mid 1990s
Having a thirst for adventures
Deciding to join Fire & Rescue in 2005
Going on her own healing journey
Losing her mother to cancer at 13
Losing her brother to suicide at 17
Struggling to deal with the loss
Writing her life story down
Moving into the mental health space
In 2018 starting her PHD looking at the impact of suicide on firefighters
Making the decision to move to Australia
What it was like joining the fire service 17 years ago
Having mixed memories and feeling the need to prove herself to the men
Starting her healing journey in her early 30s and what it looked like
Starting to have compassion for herself
How the outdoors have helped with her recovery
Going on an expedition to Zimbabwe in 1989 and how everything changed
Realising that she could be happy again
Deciding to cycle across Australia
Cycling with Sarah Davis
Cycling from the most Western point of Australia over to Byron Bay the most easterly point.
Being head of communication for the expedition
The challenges of cycling on the roads with the road-trains
Fears and concerns before the challenge
How her perceptions of risk and adventure have changed
Is the risk too much?
Why it was such a rewarding experience
Raising money for Lifeline in Australia
Adjusting back to normal life
Raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention
Finding the right people who can hear you
The power of writing and journaling and getting your feelings out of your body
Doing her PHD and how it came about
Applying for a Churchill Fellowship
Making a contribution to the world and making it a better place
Wanting to write another book - with a focus on the underlying concepts of her PHD
How we can use our experiences in live to grow and become better versions of ourself.
Dealing with injury and not being able to any sports that she loves
Letting go of the identify of being an athlete and a firefighter
Needing to reflect inwards and spending time on meditation
How you can connect with Tara
Final words of advice - Stay curious, with compassion for yourself.
“Be driven by your passions and not your fears”
Social Media
Website: www.tarajlal.com
Instagram: @tarajlal
Facebook: Tara J Lal
Twitter: @tarajlal
YouTube: Tara J Lal
Support Resources
Australia: LifeLine
You are not alone. We're here to listen. Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help.
We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
Website - www.lifeline.org.au
Call 13 11 14
UK: Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call Free - 116 123
America: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
Call 988 - Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.
Website - 988lifeline.org
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