Living with PTSD - “My Dad Shot My Mum In Front Of Me”. Uncut with Rawson Kirkhope

Listen to this episode from Life Uncut on Spotify. Today we’re joined by Rawson Kirkhope — a Navy veteran, childhood domestic violence survivor, and co-founder of VRTUS, a community-first gym. When Rawson was 12 years old, he witnessed his father shoot his mother, trying to end her life. Despite the horrific violence and being on the run for a week, his father was only sentenced to 4 years in jail. This event left him with PTSD - something that he has had to learn to live with. In this episode, Rawson shares what it was like to grow up never knowing whether your home was safe. We talk about what trauma does to your sense of identity, the complexity of loving someone whilst being simultaneously terrified by them, and how those early years shaped the man he would become. If this topic is sensitive for you, please take care while listening. There is always help available and someone to talk to on 1800 RESPECT  We speak about: The reality of growing up around violence Always trying to be a ‘good’ kid to not escalate anything at home How kids who grow up around volatile parents can struggle with validation The justice system and having to testify against his own dad The complexities of PTSD and what it looks like in reality The strength of community around you Reshaping masculinity and how routine has really helped   You can find more from Rawson on instagram And VRTUS You can check out what Polished Man are doing  You can watch us on Youtube Find us on Instagram Join us on tiktok Or join the Facebook Discussion Group Tell your mum, tell your dad, tell your dog, tell your friend and share the love because WE LOVE LOVE! XxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.