<p>Gary’s scars story only began a few years ago. After a tumour led to major facial surgery and PTSD, his physical and emotional identity changed drastically.</p><br><p>Once active and confident, he struggled with the simplist of things like eating out.</p><br><p>Yet, with therapy, love from his wife and sons, and new roles as granddad and volunteer, Gary found a renewed sense of purpose.</p><br><p>His passion for photography offers a therapeutic escape and anonymity. For Gary, scars aren't just reminders of pain, they’re daily medals of survival.</p><br><p>**Warning in this episode we talk about surgeries, PTSD and mental health**</p><br><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><br><p>The psychological impact of physical scars can be profound.</p><p>Support from loved ones is crucial during tough times.</p><p>Acceptance of one's appearance can be a long journey.</p><p>Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and connection.</p><p>Public spaces can become daunting for those with visible scars.</p><p>Coping mechanisms are essential for managing PTSD.</p><p>Scars can symbolise bravery and resilience.</p><p>Kindness towards others can make a significant difference.</p><br><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><br><p>01:35 Gary's Background and Life Before Scars</p><p>03:03 The Tumor Diagnosis and Initial Surgery</p><p>04:50 Post-Surgery Challenges and Radiotherapy Effects</p><p>06:32 Psychological Impact of Scars</p><p>09:37 Coping Mechanisms and Social Anxiety</p><p>11:08 Family Dynamics and Support</p><p>12:54 Acceptance and Resilience</p><p>13:47 Turning Points in Gary's Journey</p><p>15:00 Finding Purpose Through Volunteering</p><p>18:01 Lessons Learned from Scars</p><p>21:30 A Message of Kindness and Understanding</p><br><p><br></p><br><p><strong>About <em>The Scars</em></strong></p><br><p><strong><em>The Scars</em> is a space for conversations about resilience, acceptance, and overcoming life’s obstacles. The show aims to empower listeners to find strength and beauty in their differences while building a supportive and understanding community.</strong></p><br><p><strong>If you want to share the story of your scars you can contact me at</strong><a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/659e6585ff049800151ba6da/shows/66558f0cf52ca500118fdaeb/episodes/suzi@storypublishing.co.uk%C2%A0%C2%A0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> suzi@storypublishing.co.uk&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_scars_podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Scars podcast</strong></a><strong> is also on Instagram come find me there.</strong></p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>For support there are lots of organisations out there including The Scar Free Foundation</strong><a href="https://scarfree.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> https://scarfree.org.uk/</strong></a><strong> and Changing Faces</strong><a href="https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/</strong></a> for help with PTSD try <a href="https://www.ptsduk.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ptsduk.org/</a></p><br><p><strong>Sound design by my hugely talented friend </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mickycurling/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> Micky Curling</strong></a><strong> and my beautiful illustrations are by</strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicholacowderyillustrations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> Nichola Cowdery</strong></a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Scars

Story Publishing

Gary’s Story: Psychological Snowballs and a Lasting Love

MAY 28, 202524 MIN
The Scars

Gary’s Story: Psychological Snowballs and a Lasting Love

MAY 28, 202524 MIN

Description

<p>Gary’s scars story only began a few years ago. After a tumour led to major facial surgery and PTSD, his physical and emotional identity changed drastically.</p><br><p>Once active and confident, he struggled with the simplist of things like eating out.</p><br><p>Yet, with therapy, love from his wife and sons, and new roles as granddad and volunteer, Gary found a renewed sense of purpose.</p><br><p>His passion for photography offers a therapeutic escape and anonymity. For Gary, scars aren't just reminders of pain, they’re daily medals of survival.</p><br><p>**Warning in this episode we talk about surgeries, PTSD and mental health**</p><br><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><br><p>The psychological impact of physical scars can be profound.</p><p>Support from loved ones is crucial during tough times.</p><p>Acceptance of one's appearance can be a long journey.</p><p>Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and connection.</p><p>Public spaces can become daunting for those with visible scars.</p><p>Coping mechanisms are essential for managing PTSD.</p><p>Scars can symbolise bravery and resilience.</p><p>Kindness towards others can make a significant difference.</p><br><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><br><p>01:35 Gary's Background and Life Before Scars</p><p>03:03 The Tumor Diagnosis and Initial Surgery</p><p>04:50 Post-Surgery Challenges and Radiotherapy Effects</p><p>06:32 Psychological Impact of Scars</p><p>09:37 Coping Mechanisms and Social Anxiety</p><p>11:08 Family Dynamics and Support</p><p>12:54 Acceptance and Resilience</p><p>13:47 Turning Points in Gary's Journey</p><p>15:00 Finding Purpose Through Volunteering</p><p>18:01 Lessons Learned from Scars</p><p>21:30 A Message of Kindness and Understanding</p><br><p><br></p><br><p><strong>About <em>The Scars</em></strong></p><br><p><strong><em>The Scars</em> is a space for conversations about resilience, acceptance, and overcoming life’s obstacles. The show aims to empower listeners to find strength and beauty in their differences while building a supportive and understanding community.</strong></p><br><p><strong>If you want to share the story of your scars you can contact me at</strong><a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/659e6585ff049800151ba6da/shows/66558f0cf52ca500118fdaeb/episodes/[email protected]%C2%A0%C2%A0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> [email protected]&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_scars_podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Scars podcast</strong></a><strong> is also on Instagram come find me there.</strong></p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>For support there are lots of organisations out there including The Scar Free Foundation</strong><a href="https://scarfree.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> https://scarfree.org.uk/</strong></a><strong> and Changing Faces</strong><a href="https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/</strong></a> for help with PTSD try <a href="https://www.ptsduk.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ptsduk.org/</a></p><br><p><strong>Sound design by my hugely talented friend </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mickycurling/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> Micky Curling</strong></a><strong> and my beautiful illustrations are by</strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicholacowderyillustrations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> Nichola Cowdery</strong></a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>