PTSD isn’t weakness—it’s wear and tear. In this powerful episode, Dr. Chris Frueh unpacks the real toll of service on the body and mind—and how Operator Syndrome provides a new framework for healing veterans and first responders.
📌 Summary:
Clinical psychologist Dr. Chris Frueh joins Tell This Story to share his journey from law school dropout to one of the country’s leading experts on veteran mental health. In this episode, Dr. Frueh breaks down the evolution of PTSD, the concept of allostatic load, and the groundbreaking framework of Operator Syndrome, which identifies the cumulative damage done to our systems by years of high-stress service.
He explains why chronic pain, guilt, and emotional isolation are not personal failings—but injuries sustained in the line of duty. Together, we explore holistic treatment, grassroots mental health movements, and the hope that lives at the heart of true recovery.
🎯 Topics Covered:
The real definition of PTSD—and how it’s changed
What “Operator Syndrome” means for veterans and first responders
Chronic pain, guilt, and the psychological toll of service
Why traditional treatment falls short—and what’s next
How community, purpose, and functional care can bring people back
If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone who loves one—this episode is for you.
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