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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."
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 pharmacologicaleffects 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 thatregardless 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.
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, whenin 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).
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: