EP 17: Redefining Strength: A Man's Story of Vulnerability

In this episode of Relational Lives, we sit down with former paramedic, Dave Zaple, to hear his honest and moving story of mental ill health, recovery and finding purpose. From witnessing daily trauma in the emergency services to confronting the stigma around men’s mental health, Dave opens up about his breakdown, therapy, identity loss, and eventual healing through connection, creativity, and community. This episode is an unmissable listen for anyone interested in male vulnerability or finding purpose after crisis.

Whether you’re struggling yourself, or supporting someone who is, Dave’s story shows there is life - and growth - after trauma.

Shownotes:

Episode: Breaking Point to Breakthrough: A Men's Mental Health Journey

In this episode:

00:00 – Intro 01:40 – When professional and personal trauma collide 03:51 – Getting help: TRiM, taking time off, starting therapy 05:07 – What PTSD looked like for Dave (and what surprised him) 07:12 – Growing up male: cultural silence around emotions 10:15 – Identity and recovery 13:47 – Support networks: Rock2Recovery, REORG, gym community 20:30 – Finding purpose with SoulKind and human stories of resilience 24:15 – Letting go of an identity 26:00 – Using photography to connect and help others 32:00 – Supporting others: you don’t have to fix it, just show up 34:00 – Finding community, rebuilding identity 38:00 – Dave’s final thoughts: from crisis to creativity 41:06 – How others can find help – and why support matters

If this episode resonated with you or you know someone it might help, please share it. You can also reach out or comment - we love hearing from you. Talking helps, and you’re never alone in the dark.

📍 Resources mentioned:

Rock2Recovery - Charity supporting armed forces and blue light workers https://www.rock2recovery.co.uk/

REORG Charity – Supporting service personnel through physical fitness https://reorgcharity.com/

Surfwell – Surf therapy for emergency service workers https://www.surfwell.co.uk/

Walking With The Wounded https://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/

Millimetres 2 Mountains - A mental health charity that supports individuals to redifne their limitations through the great outdoors https://www.millimetres2mountains.org/

SoulKind Journal (CIC) – Human stories of resilience and adventure. Pre-order edition 4 now: https://www.soulkindpeople.co.uk/

Connect with Dave Zaple:

Website: https://www.davezaple.com/ Email: [e-mail] Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/davezaplephoto Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davezaplephoto

Connect with us:

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Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us and we might cover it in a future episode. Drop us a message at [e-mail] or you can anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT. We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before. 

Have a question or want to share your thoughts on trauma and PTSD? Reach out at [e-mail]. Subscribe for future episodes on OCD, trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.  

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music by: Stile Tree Audio Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio