Jason’ s mother gave birth to him at a very young age of 15. Because of this he grew up in a challenging, lower socioeconomic environment with difficult family dynamics.
Jason also experienced sexual abuse by a family member, which led to long-lasting effects such as PTSD and flashbacks. These factors, along with his grandfather’s mental health struggles, contributed to the traumas that affected his childhood and later life.
He explains how this early trauma has influenced his adult life, shaping his emotional and mental well-being and his ongoing battle with his mental health, highlighting the effects of PTSD and its triggers.
Jason describes his struggles with suicidal ideation, discussing the importance of recognising and managing these thoughts effectively. He emphasises the importance of therapy in his journey towards understanding himself and fostering personal growth.
The importance of being emotionally open is very significant, particularly in how it affects Jason’s relationships and personal healing and overcoming societal and internalised stigmas surrounding mental health issues.
Jason shares his reflection on his ongoing journey of self-improvement, acknowledging both setbacks and progress in his quest for a healthier mental state.
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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here – https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact
We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
Warmly,
The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Theme Song: “Broken” by Colin Lillie
This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.
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🎙️ ABOUT KINTSUGI HEROES
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
📺 Series on this channel:
– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us — the human-animal bond | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace — stories of struggle and strength | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
– From There to Here — navigating life’s turning points | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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