Breaking the Silence: Mark Rickard on Trauma, Recovery & Men’s Mental Health

Having The Chats with Peter and Sophia

In one of our most emotional and courageous episodes yet, we’re joined by Mark Rickard.

An incredible man who shares the raw, unfiltered truth about his experiences with childhood sexual abuse, addiction, borderline personality disorder, and the painful process of healing.

From the age of five, Mark’s identity was shaped by trauma. He opens up about the confusion, shame, and destructive patterns that followed him into adulthood, and how therapy helped him begin to piece himself back together.

This conversation covers everything:

• The silence surrounding male sexual abuse

• Living with BPD and navigating intense emotions

• Addiction as a form of slow suicide

• The struggle for self-worth, self-forgiveness, and trust

• How turning pain into purpose can light the path forward

Now a youth coach and fierce advocate for mental health, Mark’s story is one of unimaginable hurt, but also one of strength, honesty, and hope.

If you’ve been affected by the themes in this episode, here are some free and confidential services in Ireland:

• Men’s Aid – www.mensaid.ie / [email protected]

• RCNI (Rape Crisis Network Ireland) – 1800 77 8888 / www.rcni.ie

• Pieta House – 1800 247 247 / www.pieta.ie

• Samaritans – 116 123 / [email protected]

• Aware – 1800 80 48 48 / [email protected]

• Turn2Me – www.turn2me.org

• GROW Mental Health – 1890 474 474 / www.grow.ie

• Childline (under 18) – 1800 66 66 66 / www.childline.ie

👉 If you're in immediate danger, call 999.

Please like, comment, and share this episode—because these conversations matter.
You could be the reason someone reaches out.