S05E20 - Robert Kilsby (ex SAS & Mountain Road Racing) pt2

In this second part of the Invisible Injuries podcast with Robert Kilsby, Robert and Andy Fermo continue the conversation by diving into Robert’s post-military challenges, including his struggles with unraveling mental health and finding purpose after service. Robert recounts his transition from the military and how his drive for excellence kept him going, but he eventually hit a breaking point, leading him to seek help for his mental health. He describes the difficulty of finding the right support and the frustration of navigating the mental health system. However, through persistence, Robert was able to connect with a specialist who helped him better understand his PTSD and how to cope.

The episode then shifts focus to Robert’s passion for motorsport and how he found healing through racing. His experiences in motorsport, particularly tarmac rallying, became a critical part of his recovery, giving him a renewed sense of purpose. Robert shares how his work with Mountain Road Racing, a team that supports veterans through motorsport, is now helping others like him. He discusses the challenges of setting up the team and the importance of providing veterans with meaningful experiences. The episode concludes with Robert's reflections on resilience, coping mechanisms, and his mission to give veterans a chance to rediscover their passion and engage with life once again.

Key Takeaway 

• Struggling with Purpose - Robert struggled to find purpose after leaving the military, leading to feelings of unraveling.
• Coping Mechanisms - Despite his PTSD, Robert’s strong coping mechanisms helped him push forward, though they eventually needed professional support.
• Seeking Help for Others - Robert initially sought mental health support for the sake of his family, not recognising his own need for help.
• Importance of Persistence - Persistence in finding the right mental health support made a significant difference in Robert’s journey.
• Motorsport as Healing - Motorsport, particularly tarmac rallying, became a way for Robert to rediscover his purpose and passion.
• Veteran Support - Through his work with Mountain Road Racing, Robert now helps other veterans engage with life and find meaning through motorsport.
• Building a Support System - Surrounding yourself with the right team, including medical and professional support, is essential to overcoming challenges.
• Engagement in Recovery - The key to recovery for veterans is finding activities that engage them, helping them reconnect with life outside the military.
• Structured Challenges - The structure and challenges of motorsport provide a familiar and supportive environment for veterans.
• Legacy of Support - Robert is building a legacy of veteran support through Mountain Road Racing, offering experiential opportunities to others.

Contact -  Robert Kilsby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainroadracing
Website: https://www.mountainroadracing.au/about-us
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