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Ever felt like life’s a never-ending grindhouse flick? Well, buckle up, because this week we’ve got Chris Perry, a retired law enforcement officer who took the ultimate journey from the darkness of PTSD to the liberating high of motorcycle racing. Yeah, you heard me right.
Chris talks about hitting rock bottom, where his emotions were as numb as a statue and fear was just a word in the dictionary. Imagine facing the crapstorm of law enforcement for nearly three decades and coming out the other side. It’s a story packed with more grit and guts than a Quentin Tarantino finale.
Our guy Chris knows a thing or two about setting boundaries and the art of self-forgiveness – essential tools when you’re piecing together a shattered psyche. And here’s the kicker: he’s not just talking the talk. Along with therapy, motorcycle racing became a pivotal part of his healing. Ripping through 800 hours on a racetrack he built himself. Hell, each lap was a step towards reclaiming his soul.
Now, if you think this is all about speed and thrills, think again. Chris dives deep into the concept of “chasing the high” and the empty void it leaves behind. He underscores the need for regular mental health check-ups and a solid dose of self-awareness. He’s not just riding for himself but is on a mission to shift the mental health narrative among first responders, especially the new kids on the block who are shaking off the old stigmas.
Chris’s story is raw and unfiltered. From growing up in a first responder family which marked his childhood to the emotional bombshells of his career, he paints a vivid picture of resilience. He didn’t just survive; he transformed, finding a new purpose in helping others navigate their mental health struggles.
These days, Chris is channeling his energy into advocating for mental health and working with senior citizens, bringing resources and support to those who need it most. He’s living proof that you can turn the darkest times into a beacon of hope for others.
And did I mention he’s got a book in the works? Yeah, deciding its focus is a challenge, but when it hits, it’s gonna be a game-changer.
Tune in to hear Chris Perry’s incredible journey – a tale of pain, loss, love, and the relentless pursuit of inner peace. It’s one hell of a ride. Don’t miss it.
DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.
ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):
Retired LEO, Police Specialist
Introducing Chris Perry, a remarkable individual whose life journey has been a testament to resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy.
Chris's upbringing was deeply rooted in a police family, as his father served as a Cincinnati Police K9 Officer. From an early age, he was exposed to the harsh realities of law enforcement, including the tragic loss of officers in the line of duty. At just six years old, he experienced the profound impact of the line of duty death of officers, with Cincinnati PD enduring four such losses in a span of 11 months, including on his father's birthday, May 5, 1979. These events marked a pivotal turning point in Chris's life, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of the world at a young age, and forever altering his perspective.
Despite the hardships he witnessed, Chris's calling to serve his community as a police officer became apparent as he grew older. Sixteen years later, he fulfilled this calling, embarking on a nearly 30-year career in law enforcement. Throughout his dedicated service, he encountered unimaginable challenges and endured devastating losses, which took a toll on his mental health.
For 22 years, Chris lived with the burden of PTSD, a silent struggle that he kept hidden. In 2020, he took a courageous step forward and sought help, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD and the commencement of treatment. Through his journey of healing, Chris successfully completed therapy and embarked on a path of self-reinvention.
Today, three years later… Read More
