August 20, 2025

Dr. Megan McElheran: On applying Stoicism to combat PTSD, The Power of Post Traumatic Growth and the Importance of Preparation Before Operational Stress

45 minutes

In this episode, Dr. Megan McElheran, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Before Operational Stress, Inc. discusses stoicism's practical applications and the misinterpretations associated with it. Dr. McElheran shares her extensive work with trauma-exposed professionals, including military personnel and first responders, and highlights the importance of managing stress and trauma. Marcus and Dr. McElheran delve into the concept of post-traumatic growth, the necessity of facing adversities, and maintaining mental health resilience. The conversation also touches on Dr. McElheran's Bataan Death March experience, underscoring the significant lessons in resilience and determination.

Episode Highlights:

02:29 The Misconceptions of Stoicism

08:04 The Impact of Trauma on First Responders

29:32 Stoic Wisdom for Overcoming Hardship

31:10 The Hero's Journey and Personal Growth

32:22 Embracing Pain and Suffering

37:55 Curating Thoughts and Building Confidence

40:20 The Bataan Death March: A Lesson in Endurance

Dr. Megan McElheran, CEO of Wayfound Mental Health Group in Calgary, AB, is a Clinical Psychologist with 16 years of expertise in Operational Stress Injuries (OSI). Specializing in active-duty military, Veterans, and public safety personnel, she focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Driven by a passion for OSI prevention and resilience enhancement, she developed the BOS program. Exploring innovative approaches, she's delving into psychedelic medicine for psychological injuries. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. McElheran shares her insights nationally. Her recent publication in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, "Functional Disconnection and Reconnection," sheds light on novel strategies for public safety personnel's well-being.

You can find out more here: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

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