Former Royal Marine, Jason Fox, opens up about his struggles with PTSD post-military service. He discusses transitioning from military to civilian life, coping mechanisms, and the challenges of balancing work-life and mental health. The podcast also touches on his adventurous journey in Madagascar and the discovery of Captain Kidd's treasure.
Living in the moment can help manage mental health struggles by focusing on the present.
Embracing unexpected career shifts can lead to fulfilling opportunities and growth.
Maintaining boundaries and fostering healthy relationships is crucial for mental well-being.
Deep dives
Life-Learnings: Living in the Present Like a Toddler
One of the significant learnings Jason reflects on is the importance of living in the moment akin to how toddlers live. Drawing from experiences in the military and therapy, he highlights the power of focusing on the present without dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future. Adopting this mindset has helped him navigate challenging times and cultivate a deeper awareness of his mental health.
Career Transition: From Military to TV Industry
Jason shares his unexpected journey from the military to the TV industry, triggered by a chance opportunity to assist a friend on a BBC show. This experience led to further television work, culminating in a successful career in TV. Embracing this transition, despite initial hesitations, proved to be a pivotal and adventurous shift in his professional trajectory.
Impact of Relationships on Mental Health
Reflecting on personal experiences, Jason emphasizes the profound impact of toxic relationships on mental well-being, whether at home or in the workplace. He underscores the interconnectedness of mental health with interpersonal dynamics, highlighting the need for effective communication, empathy, and relational boundaries to safeguard one's mental health.
Adapting to Life Changes: Lessons for the Future
In navigating life changes post-military service, Jason acknowledges the need to embrace challenging transitions. He advocates for resilience, openness to new opportunities, and seeking support during tough times. By sharing insights on adaptation and self-compassion, he encourages a proactive approach to facing life's uncertainties and transitions.
Guiding Younger Self and Seeking Support
When reflecting on his journey, Jason imparts advice to his younger self about the value of seeking help during difficult times. By advocating for open communication and seeking support early on, he underscores the importance of mental health awareness and proactively addressing challenges to foster personal growth and resilience.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains content about suicide.
Jason Fox spent 20 years in the special forces, carrying out perilous missions in the most remote & harsh environments. But it's when he left the military after being diagnosed with PTSD that his story really took a turn. Now a staple on our screens on SAS: Who Dares Wins, Jason has used his platform to speak openly about his mental health struggles and how he manages them.
This was such a fascinating conversation, and I can't thank Jason enough for being so vulnerable. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.
