ATS:E10|The Hidden Power of Loving Someone With Addiction and Mental Illness with Brandi Vandenberg

In this episode, Brandi shares her raw and honest journey through profound grief after losing her husband Rio, exploring complex emotions like love, trauma, addiction, and survival. Her story underscores the importance of community, vulnerability, and embracing grief as a path to healing.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Grief, love, trauma, and survival with Brandi Vandenberg00:23 - Brandi discusses her husband Rio’s creative, musical personality01:54 - How Rio’s love for music and humor defined him03:24 - The beautiful parts of Rio and Brandi’s life together04:32 - Rio’s loyalty, humor, and deep love for his family05:13 - Misunderstandings about addiction and mental illness06:15 - Rio’s silent struggles with self-love and self-worth07:10 - The impact of self-medication and quick fixes in Rio’s life08:37 - Carrying roles of partner and caregiver: exhaustion and identity09:23 - Emotional toll of supporting Rio over the years10:25 - Hidden struggles behind closed doors and the complexity of staying11:13 - The organic nature of mental health challenges and their organic origin12:45 - The uniqueness of each relationship facing mental health issues13:44 - The life-shaping years of partnership and constant planning14:36 - Shielding children from the full scope of struggles16:29 - Grief’s early days and the detachment from reality17:19 - Fears, suicide attempts, and the day Rio passed away18:13 - The practice scares and the pre-grief rehearsals20:26 - The body’s response to grief and the healing power of exercise22:11 - The profound physical experience of loss and its ongoing impact23:01 - How support networks helped Brandi cope25:13 - Rediscovering herself through writing and creativity26:35 - The loss of music and her identity as a musician27:24 - Grief and re-engagement with her passions28:23 - The misunderstood aspects of grief29:28 - Creative expression as a therapeutic outlet31:22 - Love and life after loss, and honoring Rio’s memory33:39 - Finding love again and embracing her true self35:26 - How her new relationship respects Rio’s memory and their past38:55 - Advice to those in fresh grief: lean into it, talk openly, and allow space for healing40:09 - Loving someone with addiction and mental health struggles: have the hard conversations41:15 - What “After the Silence” means personally to Brandi42:11 - Connecting with Brandi’s work, books, and future projectsResources & Links:Brandi Vandenberg’s Books (available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble)Connect with Brandi:InstagramWebsiteRemember, your grief is valid, and you are not alone in this journey. Thank you for walking with us today.