Dr. Chris Frueh discusses the real cause of anxiety and depression, stress inoculation, cutting-edge mental health treatments, and the impact of trauma and PTSD in high-risk professions. The conversation also touches on the importance of monitoring biomarkers, understanding invisible injuries, innovative intervention therapies like ketamine, and the work of organizations supporting veterans.
Understanding the true cause of anxiety and depression is crucial for mental health management.
Exploring the evolution of PTSD diagnosis sheds light on the complexities of trauma definitions over time.
Operator syndrome looks beyond traditional PTSD frameworks, considering multidimensional factors affecting mental health in special operations personnel.
Innovative treatments like Stellate Ganglion Block therapy and Ketamine infusions offer promising solutions for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Deep dives
Understanding the Underlying Causes of Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
Exploring the root causes of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, Dr. Chris Free PhD delves into the factors influencing human durability. Assessing how individuals can optimize their environment to enhance themselves is highlighted.
Reevaluating PTSD and PTSD Criteria
Dr. Free discusses the evolution of PTSD diagnosis from the DSM-3 to DSM-5, emphasizing how trauma is defined and the changes in PTSD definitions over time. Exploring the clinical and neurological aspects of PTSD, the complexities of diagnosing and treating the condition are addressed.
Operator Syndrome: A Holistic Approach to Special Operations Mental Health
Introducing the concept of operator syndrome, a term coined to examine beyond traditional PTSD frameworks. Dr. Free and Dr. Lion discuss the multidimensional underpinnings of mental health, considering physiological injuries, chronic conditions, and social challenges that impact special operations personnel.
Allostatic Load: Understanding Chronic Stress
Dr. Free elaborates on allostatic load as a measure of accumulated stressors individuals experience throughout their lives. Discussing the concept of stress and how subjective experiences shape responses, the podcast reflects on the pervasive stress culture and challenges in resilience-building.
Failure as a Learning Experience
Experiencing failure is seen as essential for learning and growth, especially in youth, to prepare individuals for challenges in college and later life. The podcast emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to face disappointment and obstacles in order to develop resilience and cope with stress.
Increasing Rates of Anxiety Among Students
The podcast discusses the concerning rates of anxiety among undergraduate students, with estimates ranging from 40% to 60%. A significant portion of students are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, prescribed psychiatric medications, or receive psychotherapy. The increase in anxiety levels highlights the need to address mental health challenges among young adults.
Stress Inoculation and Resilience
The concept of stress inoculation is explored, particularly in the context of training military operators. The discussion delves into how stress is managed and cultivated in special operators, suggesting a combination of genetic predisposition and training experiences contribute to resilience.
Innovative Treatments for Psychological Health
The podcast highlights innovative treatments for psychological health, such as Stellate Ganglion Block therapy, Ketamine infusions, and EEG-guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). These cutting-edge treatments offer new possibilities for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and brain health issues.
B. Christopher Frueh, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Hawaii. He has over thirty years of professional experience working with military veterans, servicemembers, special operators, private defense contractors, and firefighters; and has conducted clinical trials, epidemiology, historical, and neuroscience research. He has co-authored over 300 scientific publications. He was previously a professor of psychiatry at Medical University of South Carolina and Baylor College of Medicine. He has published commentaries in the National Review, Huffington Post, New York Times, Time, Men’s Journal, and Special Operation Association of America.
In this episode we discuss
What’s the real cause of anxiety and depression?
How to always be the best version of yourself.
What is stress inoculation and how can it help you?
Cutting edge mental health treatments that actually work.
This episode is brought to you by Vivo Health, Thesis, LMNT, Inside Tracker, 1stPhorm
