“Then I just burst into tears for the first time since losing my eyesight. I recognised from that day the power of speaking up & how important it is to let other people in.”

In this episode of Talkin Tough Ben is in the firing line as Mike asks the tough questions and together they relive his experience of losing his eyesight overnight at age 16 due to a rare genetic disorder, Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Ben has now lived his life as a blind bloke for 12 years but the challenges don’t go away. They just change as life changes along the way.Ben shares some of the things he has learned about tackling the cards life deals us alland how he keeps on top of his mental health in the face of struggle.

Talkin Tough is proudly brought to you by Ski For Life, an Australian charity dedicated to promoting mental health, wellbeing & suicide prevention.

You can find out more at https://www.skiforlife.com.au/

If this Talkin Tough episode has struck a chord with you and you could do with some extra support, please reach out to a trusted mate or professional or call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Watch this episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqa2MLkeN9k

Read this episode transcript on the Talkin Tough website https://www.talkintough.com/episodes/ben-pettingill

Follow the Talkin Tough Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talkintoughpodcast/

Follow Legless & Blind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/legless_and_blind/

Follow Ski For Life Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/skiforlife.aus/

Check out the Ski For Life website-https://www.skiforlife.com.au/

The Talkin Tough team wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands in which this podcast is developed, recorded & listened to. They recognise & honour the rich cultural heritage, deep connection to Country and that First Nations Peoples were first in language, first in story telling & first in sharing knowledge.