June is National PTSD Awareness Month

Every year since 2010, the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has declared June National PTSD Awareness Month.  Last week, I had the honor and privilege of presenting my story during a webinar hosted by the American College of Healthcare Sciences titled: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Holistic Wellness as a Path to a More Balanced Life.  The webinar was an hour long and included a Q and A session at the end.  Once the webinar is released for non-attendees I will post it to my blog for my readers to view as well

     A question was asked about my thoughts on treatment options for Secondary PTSD and here was my response: According to the website Family of a Vet, secondary PTSD is not recognized in the DSM Manual of Mental Disorders.  Secondary PTSD happens to a caregiver (spouse, child, mother, father) who lives with someone with primary PTSD.  The caregiver begins to mirror some of the behaviors of their loved one.   I believe that whether primary or secondary, CAM protocols can be used to support the nervous system of either party just the same. I would suggest that the caregiver seek psychological counseling and support as well.  There is an organization that offers free counseling to veterans of the armed forces and their families called Give An Hour which includes a nationwide database of counselors that are willing to donate hours to this cause.  It is very important that those who live with or care for someone with PTSD are not left behind on the emotional battlefield.

 

 

 

Final thoughts

     PTSD can be a lifelong struggle of which one can suffer in silence yet still manifest outward signs to others.  To heal, one must take a good look in the proverbial mirror to find the underlying cause.  I believe asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a show of courage and strength.  This quote sums up the struggle of PTSD:

"We are not tested to show our weakness, but to find our strength."

An Anosmic Only Wishes They Could Smell the Coffee

How often were we metaphorically told by our parents to "Wake up and smell the coffee!!" when they were telling us to try and pay attention to what was going on around us.  However, for someone who has anosmia this is impossible to do.  Today we are going to shed some light on this smell disorder, which according to the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation affects almost 4 million people nationwide and 80,000 in the Chicago area alone (2014).

 

 

What is Anosmia?

     The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) defines anosmia as the complete absence of smell which can be caused by sinusitis, viral infections, chronic inflammation, congenital,  aging, or a traumatic injury such as a blow to the head (2011).  A recent article in the Chicago Tribune (6/8/2014) stated that there are no preventative measures or treatment options for those with smell disorders and even less scientists who complete research in this field.  This article also noted that anosmics "report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social isolation . . . They also describe themselves as being disconnected and missing out on something" (2014).  Let's take a look at the importance of the sense of smell.

What Smell Means to Us

     Throughout a given day we are exposed to aromas that are both pleasing as well as noxious to our overall wellbeing: the smells of chocolate, coffee, flowers, chlorine bleach, and smoke.  Those of us with a working olfactory system take these aromas for granted, but for the anosmic person the lack of smell can be emotionally as well as physically devastating.

     ACHS tells us that not only does our sense of smell offer us pleasant memories of days gone by such as the odor of fresh baked bread, it is a protective mechanism as well (2011).  It is noted that even while in a deep sleep our olfactory system is continuously monitoring the environment.  For example, many people have been awaken to the smell of smoke to find the early stages of a house fire.  Imagine that you have anosmia, no smoke detectors in the home, and the house catches on fire.  Needless to say, that individual may be put in harm's way.  The referenced Chicago Tribune article related the story of a woman with anosmia who was unable to detect the odor of natural gas when she accidentally left a stove burner partially open (2014)

 

     Another feature of the olfactory system is that it is tied closely together with our sense of taste.  Imagine inhaling the aroma of a well seasoned steak cooking slowly on the grill, and suddenly your mouth waters.  This is the important first step in the activation of our digestive system as the saliva (which breaks down carbohydrates), and the digestive juices (hydrochloric acid in the stomach and the pancreatic enzymes) await that all important first bite (ACHS, 2011).  If one is unable to smell, this cascade of events does not readily occur prior to consumption of food.

 

     Additionally,  the loss of smell affects the ability to detect flavors, although an anosmic can still respond to the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy.  All other flavors come from the catalog of aromas that we have collected in the library of our brains from the moment of birth.  To put this in perspective, think back to when you have had a nasty cold or sinus infection with mucus that blocks your nasal passages.  What do you remember about this experience?  Generally, both our sense of smell and taste has been diminished to the point that non-distinct flavors seem bland or taste the same.  This is especially disheartening when a well appointed meal that was crafted with labor and love is placed before you.  This is the life that an anosmic leads.

    For a person that was born with the sense of smell but lost it later in life,  the frustration level can be elevated.  He or she longs for the day where they can savor the flavor of chocolate ice cream or an ice cold beer as reported by one anosmic who was interviewed by the Tribune (2014).  After reading this article, I recalled research that I learned during my days as a student at ACHS.  Let's see what they had to say.

Can Aromatherapy Still Work?

     During my Introduction to Aromatherapy class, the topic of anosmia was discussed and included a study that showed promise concerning the pharmacological effects of essential oils.  The study conducted by Nasel, et. al, asked nine research participants (1 diagnosed with anosmia) to inhale 1,8 cineole (found in many essential oils such as eucalyptus) for 25 minutes.  Cerebral (brain) blood flow was measured both pre and post inhalation.  The measured results found an increase in blood flow for all subjects involved, including the anosmic (ACHS, 2011).  So what is the significance of this study?

     If you recall from a prior post, therapeutic grade essential oils contain active constituents (similar to active drug ingredients), which have specific pharmacological  effects on the body depending on the oil.  1, 8 cineole is a constituent found in the oil eucalyptus eucalyptus globulus, which has both decongestant and expectorant properties.  This constituent supports the body in clearing both the nasal and bronchial passages of mucus (remember the chest and head cold).  Basically, the research concluded that  regardless of one's ability to smell, the active constituent still produced the same measurable results in all study participants (1994).  Following this hypothesis, if an anosmic was exposed to eucalyptus during a head or chest cold, one could reason that he or she would still benefit from the decongestant or expectorant effects of this oil.

     The researchers stated that it was a "reasonable hypothesis".  Remember, this was one very small study conducted in 1994 and would need to be replicated on a much larger scale to prove or disprove the hypothesis.  What it does is offer hope for an anosmic who is looking for assistance in the realm of self care strategies.   The next time someone tells you to "Wake up and smell the coffee" do not take it for granted, as millions of others in this world wish they could do so.

Resources

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology for Aroma 101. In Aroma 101 course e-textbook pp 162-163. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Common Chemosensory Disorders: Smell Disorders. (2014, June 14). Retrieved from the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation: http://www.smellandtaste.org/?action=disorders&load_popup#popup4

Deardorff, J. (2014, June 8). Wake up, but you can't smell the bacon. The Chicago Tribune, p. 1.

Nasel C, Nasel B, Samec O, Shindler E, Buchbauer G. (1994). Functional imaging of effects of fragrances on the human brain after prolonged inhalation. Chem Senses 19 (4) 359-364.

A Letter About the Greatest Lesson In Life . . . Letting Go

     When one enters the Fire Service he or she joins a unique subculture.  A show of acceptance is to receive a firehouse nickname.  Now granted, not all names are flattering, but if it is endearing it means you have made the grade.  It just depends on your reputation (hint, hint).  The following letter is written to my departed comrade using our nicknames as only he could remember them.

Dear "Little Dicky",

     It has been over 16 years since we last spoke and alot has happened during that time period.  Your sudden departure from this Earth left those of us on the department in a world of hurt, but our culture at the time dictated that we suck it up and move on.

     Not so for me Little Dicky.  Several years later I still harbored ill will towards the department because I thought they let you down, and did not help enough.  For years I carried this guilt around as to why I could not see this coming, or what could I have done differently.  I never, ever have been angry at you, just the department.  Alas, my friend as you will soon learn that anger was misdirected because at the time, we were not equipped with the resources to aid us in our grief.  I bet you laughed at each time I was in the Chief's office getting lectured about my bad attitude.  Something I laughed myself about from time to time.  Judy always reminded me that we could live on her salary alone.  As she put it, mine paid for the house,  and hers the garage.  I am so glad that I listened to her sage advice.

     As life would have it, I pushed onward and upward, buried my memories, and did what was necessary to both forget and survive your suicide.  Again, our department culture at the time mandated it.  I was told to lose the attitude or else.  Back then I just could not put a finger on what was my real issue at heart.  I am sure you know that I was promoted to lieutenant, and if you were still around you would have been likewise.  The early years of my new position found me being tested by my former blue shirt peers.  One of my biggest problems back then and even just a few months ago, was the inability to effectively deal with conflict.  I ruled by emotion instead of critical thinking.  Eventually I settled in and settled down.

     As time continued to march on, I earned a diploma in Holistic Health Practice and even became a personal trainer.  My goals are to help others live a more healthy and balanced life, especially those of us around here who like to indulge in milk shakes and every cake, pie, and cookie that comes along during the holidays (Ha Ha).  In order to take care of others we must take care of ourselves first (physically and mentally).  My intent was to establish my own business and show others the way.  However, something had always held me back.  It nagged at me but I could not place it.  Here, Little Dicky is where I get down to the heart of the matter.

     A few months ago I was asked to present your story at a trauma and first responders workshop conducted at Lewis University.  To prepare for this event, I had to re-live an unexamined life.  The 15 minutes I was given on that day were the longest I could have ever imagined.  What I thought was buried, resurfaced like a raging storm.  I looked into the proverbial mirror and realized what had held me back and caused me angst all these years: PTSD.

     I also recently became a member of the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Group and completed initial training this past April.  During this class I hit my breaking point with the PTSD and realized I was in over my head.  I needed help to work through the mental and emotional scars.  I even convinced myself that you took part of my soul with you on that fateful night, when  in fact, I was only side tracked.  However, with the help of a group of trusted advisors that were assembled at my request to aid my healing (in the form of Peer Support, counseling, acupuncture, and reiki) I am now living a more balanced and peaceful existence.  It is a work in progress, but have made great strides in just a couple of months time.

     They continue to teach me that it was okay to experience these emotions and to cry about them.  More importantly, they have helped me to harness the emotions, confront them, and take the positive lessons learned to pay it forward and help others in kind.  Just remember my friend, that throughout the course of history, in the wake of any natural disaster there always, always is a rebuilding.  I am now resetting my foundational supports and it sure does feel great.

     Now about this peer support group.  I wish we had it back then as it would have helped us to redefine our cultural thinking: that asking for help in the realm of behavioral health is not a sign of weakness, but rather a show of courage and strength.  I am earnestly going to work as a member to spread this message, and your story as a lesson learned.

     In closing,  I want to share with you a common thread that my mentors (advisors) have taught me:  the greatest thing I can do right now is to let it (you) go.  They are talking about the angst, guilt, raw emotions, and ill will that I experienced and have never served me well.  Therefore, I leave you with this greatest lesson as only the Zac Brown Band can tell it.  The next time we talk will be when I see you on the other side.  So, until then, rest well and in peace.

 

                                                                                    Your friend always,

 

                                                                                    "Krusty"

PS.  Somebody showed me your picture the other day.  Nice mustache (you know they are back in style).

 

 

Paying It Forward . . . A Gift to Ourselves and Humanity

     Pay it forward, one good turn deserves another, or pass it on.  No matter how you say it, giving without expecting anything in return is what the Aloha Spirit is all about.  The more we pay it forward, the better off humankind will become.

     In the early morning hours following my 50th birthday ,  I reflected on how I was bestowed with many healing gifts (counseling, chiropractic care, and acupuncture) on the first day of a new decade of life.  I thought about how I had suffered in silence for 16 + years with PTSD.  Though it may have been hard, in the end it was well worth the lessons learned.  Where once I was blind to all the goodness this world has to offer, now I can see.

     It was destiny that in the year 2014 my path would cross with others who represent goodness and are showing me the way.  First, and foremost I thank my wife Judy.  For without her patient and loving ways throughout these many years, I would not be telling this story to others.  I would have walked away from the best profession in the world and just suffered in silence.  Judy is my true soul mate and I am the luckiest man in universe to have found her.

     Next comes the best holistic team that has ever been assembled on my behalf.  Sarah (my counselor),  Erin (acupuncturist), and Lynn (Reiki Healer).  They are working earnestly as my mentors of healing to guide me through the door to freedom, never to look back at my former self.  Soon, very soon, I will be kicked from the nest with a renewed sense of the Aloha Spirit!!!!  Another special shout out goes to Dr. Elizabeth Cutright of Lepar Animal Hospital.  If it were not for her suggesting I go to the Natural Health Improvement Center in Alsip, I would have never met Erin and taken the journey on the road to wellness.

     Finally, I want to thank Chief Pat Kenny of the Western Springs (IL) Fire Department.  I was told by Sarah that I needed to listen to his story on how he survived the suicide of his own son, Sean.  Here is a man that faced a tragic event that no parent would ever want to endure, and took the lessons learned to teach the fire service (specifically) and humankind (in general) about behavioral health issues that affect us all.  He is a true role model for us all. This my friends is what paying it forward is all about: pass on what you have learned so that others may benefit.

     As I take this journey I always think to myself that I will owe each and every one these people a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid in my lifetime.  Being the consummate healers that they are each one would say" Whatever" or  "You owe me nothing".  The common thread amongst them is that they tell me to "Just get well".  These people intuitively understand what the Aloha Spirit is all about:  do for others without expecting anything in return.

     It is now my turn to pay it forward.  I will work earnestly as a holistic healer, personal trainer, and Firefighter Peer Supporter to help others in kind that are experiencing similar circumstances.  I reached out to Captain Jeff Dill who heads the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA), here in Illinois.  This organization is the only one in the country that collects data on firefighter suicides as well as how it affects those left behind.  In 2015, the FBHA will be hosting a Suicide Survivor Retreat possibly in Nashville, Tennessee.  During this 3 day event, the FBHA is looking for speakers that are "experienced in grief, coping with suicide, stigma, motivational, stress relief, where to get help, etc. to present to families of suicide victims in the fire service."

    I told Captain Dill of my interest and said it would be an honor, if chosen, to tell my story.   I can think of no greater way to honor my mentors than by passing on my lessons learned to others in need.  ALOHA!!!   To start, I leave you with this inspirational quote that was passed on to me: